Cardiac Drugs: Digoxin, Beta-Blockers & ACE Inhibitors

Cardiac medications change heart rate, contractility and blood pressure — check vital signs before every dose.

Key points

• Hold digoxin for an adult apical pulse below 60/min and report.
• Digoxin toxicity: nausea, anorexia, visual halos; low potassium raises the risk.
• Beta-blockers: monitor HR and BP; use caution with asthma.
• ACE inhibitors: dry cough, angioedema (emergency) and hyperkalemia.

Test-taking tip: When two answers look right, choose the one that requires assessment before action.