Digoxin Question

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Hi, I have a questions regarding digoxin admin for a 10 week old patient with CHD. I've seen mostly guidelines for adults regarding the heart rate. For adults, it says that it shouldn't be administered if the heart rate is

Should a nurse give the digoxin if:

Infant's heart rate is 100/min

Infant's heart rate is 186/min

Thanks.

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Did you check your drug guide?

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Rather than relying solely on normal” heart rate to hold the medication, I would contact the cardiologist's office as he or she might want the medication given, even though the heart rate is below normal.”

In the absence of such patient specific parameters, I would hold the medication gor heart rate less than normal” for age. Which in a 10 week infant is…

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I believe you would withhold the med and contact the provider if the pulse is

digoxin | Davis's Drug Guide

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

My son was on it as a baby, and his cardiologist said no need to check a heart rate first. (She knew I'm an ICU RN, and still notes all of his echo numbers and goes over them with me...so it's not like she approached me as a layperson.) I remember he had an EKG maybe a week after starting it though, to rule out any conducting issues. Whether that's textbook correct I don't know. In nursing practice, I'd clarify with the provider.

Here's a bonus nursing consideration, when educating parents: they should call ahead to find out if the pharmacy carries dig elixir. Two pharmacies in my suburb did not. I am not a fan of running futile errands!

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I believe you would withhold the med and contact the provider if the pulse is

digoxin | Davis's Drug Guide

This is what I found in the Drug Guide as well!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hi, I have a questions regarding digoxin admin for a 10 week old patient with CHD. I've seen mostly guidelines for adults regarding the heart rate. For adults, it says that it shouldn't be administered if the heart rate is

Should a nurse give the digoxin if:

Infant's heart rate is 100/min

Infant's heart rate is 186/min

Thanks.

Hi! Welcome!

Here at allnurses we encourage ALL students to post what their research has revealed to them first. We will jump right in when we see your thoughts.

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