Nokea
An infant with a ventricular septal defect is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate before digoxin administration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the infant's apical pulse because digoxin is a medication that affects the heart rate. By checking the apical pulse, the nurse can determine the baseline heart rate and assess for any irregularities or changes that may indicate digoxin toxicity. This step is essential to ensure the medication is safe for the infant.
Incorrect choices:
A: Taking the infant's blood pressure is not necessary before administering digoxin, as the focus should be on assessing the heart rate specifically.
B: Checking the respiratory rate is not directly related to digoxin administration and does not provide crucial information about the medication's effects.
C: Checking the radial pulse is not as accurate as checking the apical pulse when assessing the heart rate, which is critical before giving digoxin.