In pediatric patients on digoxin, which parameter is monitored to determine safety of continuing therapy?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Pulse rate
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Temperature

Answer: (B)

Digoxin mainly affects the heart's electrical conduction and how hard the heart pumps, so the most important safety signal in children is the pulse rate. Braddycardia is a classic sign of digoxin effect and potential toxicity in pediatric patients, so clinicians routinely check the apical pulse and withhold the drug if the heart rate is too low for the child’s age and notify the provider. This makes pulse rate the clearest indication of whether it’s safe to continue therapy. Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature don’t directly reflect digoxin’s cardiac effects, so they’re less useful for deciding about ongoing digoxin treatment.