What vital sign should be assessed immediately before administering Digoxin?

When administering Digoxin, it is crucial to assess the apical heart rate immediately before the medication is given. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that primarily affects the heart's function, specifically by increasing the force of contraction and regulating heart rate.

Before administration, checking the apical heart rate is essential because Digoxin can cause bradycardia (a slow heart rate) as a side effect. If the apical heart rate is below the recommended threshold—typically 60 beats per minute in adults—administering Digoxin could pose risks of adverse effects or toxicity. This assessment allows the nurse to ensure patient safety and appropriate dosing of the medication.

While other vital signs such as blood pressure and respiratory rate are important, they do not directly relate to the immediate effects of Digoxin. Monitoring temperature, on the other hand, does not provide relevant information regarding Digoxin administration or its potential impact on the patient's cardiac function. Therefore, measuring the apical heart rate is the specific action required before giving Digoxin.