RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

Before administering digoxin to a client with heart failure, what is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

  • A. Check the client's blood pressure
  • B. Monitor the client's heart rate
  • C. Assess the client's respiratory rate
  • D. Review the client's potassium level
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's heart rate. Digoxin slows the heart rate, so it is crucial to assess the heart rate before administering the medication. If the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, the dose should be held, and the healthcare provider should be notified. Checking the blood pressure (Choice A) is important but not as crucial as monitoring the heart rate in this case. Assessing the respiratory rate (Choice C) is not directly related to the action of digoxin. Reviewing the client's potassium level (Choice D) is important for clients taking digoxin due to the risk of hypokalemia, but assessing the heart rate takes priority.