What should the nurse document after administering digoxin?

After administering digoxin, it is essential for the nurse to document the patient's heart rate and any rhythm abnormalities. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used primarily to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure, and it has a narrow therapeutic index. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial because digoxin can cause bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate), and understanding the patient's cardiac rhythm is vital in ensuring the safe administration of this medication.

Documenting the heart rate helps determine if it is within the acceptable range before administration, and it provides a baseline for ongoing monitoring. Additionally, noting any rhythm abnormalities can indicate potential adverse effects or complications related to digoxin use, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.

While other factors like dosage, patient weight, vital signs, and the time of administration are also important parts of medication documentation, they do not carry the same immediate significance in relation to the pharmacological effects and safety of digoxin as monitoring the heart rate and rhythm do.