Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What should you check before administering lanoxin/digoxin?

1. Blood pressure

2. Pulse

3. Respiration rate

4. Blood sugar

The correct answer is: Pulse

Before administering lanoxin (digoxin), it is essential to check the pulse. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that affects heart rate and rhythm. One of the crucial aspects of administering this medication safely is understanding its effects on the patient's heart. A significant reason for checking the pulse is to ensure it falls within the safe range before administration. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia (an abnormally slow heart rate), and if the pulse is below a certain threshold—often 60 beats per minute in adults—the medication should not be given, or further assessment may be required. Monitoring the pulse prior to administration allows the medication aide to make an informed decision about whether it is safe to proceed with administering digoxin, thus preventing potential complications such as exacerbating bradycardia or causing further cardiac issues.