Before administering cardiac glycosides, what should be checked?

Checking the heart rate, specifically the apical pulse, is crucial before administering cardiac glycosides such as digoxin. Cardiac glycosides have a narrow therapeutic window and can significantly affect heart rate and rhythm. A low heart rate (bradycardia) can be a contraindication for administering these medications since they work by increasing the force of heart contractions and can lead to toxicity if the heart rate is already low.

Measuring the apical pulse allows the healthcare provider to assess the heart's function accurately in terms of beat quality and rate. If the apical pulse is below a certain threshold—commonly 60 beats per minute for adults—the medication should typically not be given, and the healthcare provider must be alerted for further evaluation.

In contrast, while blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and body temperature are important aspects of patient assessment, they are not the primary concerns when preparing to administer cardiac glycosides. Blood pressure can be affected by the medication, but it is less critical than the heart rate in this specific context.