A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an early indication of medication toxicity?

Choice A Reason:
Weight gain of 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) in 24 hours is not recommendable. While sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, it is not a direct contraindication for administering digoxin. However, it might indicate worsening heart failure, which needs attention, but it doesn't specifically necessitate withholding digoxin.
Choice B Reason:
Urinary output 30 mL/hr is not recommendable. A low urinary output might indicate decreased kidney perfusion or renal issues. While monitoring urinary output is important, it is not a direct reason to withhold digoxin unless it's coupled with severe renal impairment or an acute kidney injury.
For a client receiving digoxin, certain findings would warrant withholding the medication due to potential complications. Among the options provided:
Choice C Reason:
Pulse rate 56/min is the correct recommendation. A low pulse rate (bradycardia), especially below 60 beats per minute, is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, potentially leading to excessive bradycardia or heart block. The nurse should hold the medication and consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate action.
Choice D Reason:
BP 160/90 mm Hg is not recommendable. Elevated blood pressure alone is not a direct contraindication for administering digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Digoxin is not primarily used for controlling blood pressure; its use is more focused on managing heart rate and contractility in heart failure patients.

Choice A Reason:
. "I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin." Is incorrect. Checking the client's INR (International Normalized Ratio) is essential, but it's more applicable for monitoring anticoagulants like warfarin, not heparin. Heparin's effect is typically monitored via activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa levels, not INR.
Choice B Reason:
"I will aspirate before administering the heparin." Is incorrect. Aspirating before administering heparin injections is not necessary because the medication is given subcutaneously or intravenously and not into a blood vessel.
Choice C Reason:
"I will massage the site after injecting the heparin." Is incorrect. Massaging the site after injecting heparin could increase the risk of bruising or hematoma formation at the injection site. It's generally advised to avoid massaging the area after a heparin injection to prevent tissue trauma.
Choice D Reason:
"I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the injection." Is correct. Applying pressure to the injection site for about a minute after administering heparin helps minimize the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation, especially with subcutaneous injections. This practice aids in reducing bleeding at the injection site.