Before administering digoxin to a client with chronic heart failure, what is an essential procedure?

Taking the apical pulse for one minute is crucial before administering digoxin, particularly for a client with chronic heart failure. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of myocardial contractions and can effectively improve heart function. However, it can also cause toxicity if not monitored closely. One of the key actions to assess before administration is the client's heart rate because digoxin can lead to bradycardia, a condition where the heart rate is slower than normal.

If the apical pulse is less than 60 beats per minute, it may indicate that the heart is not functioning adequately to tolerate digoxin therapy. This makes it essential to take the heart rate accurately before giving the medication to prevent possible adverse effects such as arrhythmias. Monitoring the pulse allows the healthcare provider to ensure the client is safe for administration of the drug.

While assessing other parameters like respiratory rate, checking weight for fluid retention, and measuring blood glucose are also important in managing a client with chronic heart failure, they do not directly relate to the immediate safety and effectiveness of administering digoxin. Therefore, noting the apical pulse is the most critical step in this scenario.