What should be monitored in a child receiving digoxin?

What should be monitored in a child receiving digoxin?

• A. Heart rate and signs of toxicity
• B. Blood pressure and kidney function
• C. Body temperature and fluid intake
• D. Respiratory rate and blood glucose levels

Answer: (A)

Monitoring heart rate and signs of toxicity is essential for a child receiving digoxin due to the medication's effects on the cardiovascular system. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the strength of heart contractions and decreases heart rate. Because of these actions, it's crucial to assess the child’s heart rate before administering the medication; bradycardia (a heart rate that is too slow) can indicate an impending risk of digoxin toxicity. In addition to monitoring heart rate, observing for signs of toxicity is vital since digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window. Symptoms of toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, confusion, visual disturbances (such as seeing halos), and arrhythmias. Early detection of these signs is crucial to prevent severe adverse effects and ensure the child’s safety during treatment. The other factors mentioned in the incorrect options, such as blood pressure and kidney function, while important in a comprehensive assessment, are not as immediately relevant to the specific monitoring needs associated with digoxin therapy. Body temperature, fluid intake, respiratory rate, and blood glucose levels, although they play a role in overall health, do not directly correlate with the pharmacologic effects of digoxin nor its potential for toxicity. Therefore, focusing on heart rate and signs of toxicity is the most

Monitoring heart rate and signs of toxicity is essential for a child receiving digoxin due to the medication's effects on the cardiovascular system. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the strength of heart contractions and decreases heart rate. Because of these actions, it's crucial to assess the child’s heart rate before administering the medication; bradycardia (a heart rate that is too slow) can indicate an impending risk of digoxin toxicity.

In addition to monitoring heart rate, observing for signs of toxicity is vital since digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window. Symptoms of toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, confusion, visual disturbances (such as seeing halos), and arrhythmias. Early detection of these signs is crucial to prevent severe adverse effects and ensure the child’s safety during treatment.

The other factors mentioned in the incorrect options, such as blood pressure and kidney function, while important in a comprehensive assessment, are not as immediately relevant to the specific monitoring needs associated with digoxin therapy. Body temperature, fluid intake, respiratory rate, and blood glucose levels, although they play a role in overall health, do not directly correlate with the pharmacologic effects of digoxin nor its potential for toxicity. Therefore, focusing on heart rate and signs of toxicity is the most