What should the pulse be at or above when administering digoxin (Lanoxin)?

When administering digoxin (Lanoxin), it is essential to check the patient's pulse and ensure it is at or above 60 beats per minute. This is because digoxin is a medication used primarily to treat certain heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure, and it works by increasing the force of heart contractions while also slowing down the heart rate.

A pulse rate below 60 beats per minute may indicate bradycardia, which could exacerbate the effects of digoxin and lead to complications. Therefore, it's crucial to hold the medication if the pulse is less than 60 and report this finding to a healthcare provider. This practice not only ensures patient safety but also aligns with the protocol recommended for administering digoxin.

Other thresholds for pulse rates may not adequately address the safety concerns associated with digoxin use and may either allow for administration during potentially unsafe conditions or be unnecessarily restrictive. Thus, setting the threshold at 60 beats per minute provides a clinically appropriate guideline for safe medication administration.