What is an important nursing consideration when administering digoxin?

When administering digoxin, monitoring for signs of toxicity is crucial because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity can include visual disturbances, such as seeing halos or blur, gastrointestinal upset, and changes in heart rhythm. Vigilantly observing these signs allows for timely intervention, which is essential since digoxin toxicity can lead to serious cardiac events.

While other considerations, such as evaluating renal function before administration, are important due to digoxin's renal clearance, the primary focus during administration is being alert to the potential for toxicity. Administering digoxin with food is not recommended, as it may actually decrease absorption instead of enhancing it. Monitoring glucose levels does not directly relate to digoxin administration and is not a standard nursing consideration in this context.