ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Medication
MEDICATION digoxin CATEGORY CLASs antiarrhythmics
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PURPOSE OF MEDICATION
Expected Pharmacological Action
Therapeutic Use
Increases the force of myocardial contraction, prolongs refractory period of AV node. decreases conduction through av and sa nodes
Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, increased cardiac output, lowers heart rate
Complications
Medication Administration
Arrhythmias, cardiotoxicity, G.I. effects, CNS effects
Assess apical pulse, administer at same time every day, evaluate manifestations of digoxin toxicity, avoid over the counter meds that interact, infused over five minutes
Contraindications/Precautions
Pregnancy, disturbances in ventricular rhythm V fib, ventricular tachycardia, hypokalemia, partial AV block, heart failure, impaired kidney function
Nursing Interventions
Don't give if the heart rate is less than 60 Monitor blood levels of potassium, monitor digoxin levels, monitor ECG
Interactions
Thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, ace inhibitors, ARBS, canadian, dopamine, verapamil, antacids
Client Education Report manifestations of hypo kalemia, consume high potassium foods, monitor for G.I. FX, monitor for vision changes, ask provider before using antacids, monitor pulses for rate and rhythm
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
Control of heart failure or absence of cardiac dysrhythmias
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE A7