What should a nurse check before administering digoxin to ensure the patient's safety?

Before administering digoxin, the nurse should auscultate the patient's apical heart rate for one full minute. This is crucial because digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that affects heart contractility and rhythm. The administration of digoxin can lead to bradycardia, or a dangerously low heart rate, which can be exacerbated if the apical heart rate is below a certain threshold, often set at 60 beats per minute for adults. By checking the heart rate, the nurse ensures it falls within a safe range prior to giving the medication, thereby preventing potential adverse effects such as toxicity or exacerbation of existing heart conditions.

While other vital checks like blood pressure, weight, and respiratory rate are important in the overall assessment of a patient's condition, they are not as critical as monitoring the heart rate in the context of digoxin administration. The apical heart rate directly addresses the medication's safety concerning cardiac function, making it the priority before administration.