Which intervention should a nurse take if an infant's apical heart rate is 88 beats per minute and they are prescribed digoxin?

Withholding digoxin when an infant's apical heart rate is 88 beats per minute is the appropriate intervention because digoxin affects heart rate and has specific parameters for safe administration. In infants, the normal resting heart rate typically ranges from 100 to 160 beats per minute. An apical heart rate of 88 indicates bradycardia, which can be a sign of digoxin toxicity or increased vagal tone, and administering the drug could lead to adverse effects.

Before giving digoxin, it’s important to assess the heart rate and ensure it is within a safe range to avoid complications. Typically, healthcare providers will set a threshold, often around 100 beats per minute for infants, below which digoxin should not be given.

In clinical practice, monitoring heart rate and recognizing signs of bradycardia or toxicity is vital. Therefore, withholding the medication in this scenario prioritizes the infant’s safety.