Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What should the pulse rate be before administering digoxin?

1. Below 50

2. Above 60

3. Between 70 and 90

4. Exactly 75

The correct answer is: Above 60

Prior to administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the patient's pulse rate because this medication has a direct effect on heart rate. Digoxin is commonly used to treat certain heart conditions and can lead to bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). The established guideline for safe administration of digoxin is that the pulse should be above 60 beats per minute. This threshold helps to ensure that the heart is functioning adequately and reduces the risk of severe adverse effects associated with digoxin, especially in patients with heart conditions. If the pulse is below this rate, it may indicate that the patient is at risk for complications, and the medication should not be given without further evaluation. When evaluating readings above 60, it conveys a more stable heart function; hence, this choice aligns with the recommendations for safe medication administration. Knowing the pulse rate is essential for safe medication management, especially with drugs that affect cardiac performance.