What should a patient regularly taking digoxin for heart failure be instructed to do?

Patients taking digoxin for heart failure should be instructed to check their pulse regularly because digoxin has the potential to affect heart rate. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, which is an abnormally slow heart rate, and it's important for patients to be aware of any significant changes. Monitoring their pulse allows them to detect if they experience a decrease in heart rate to a level that may require medical attention or adjustment of their medication.

This practice also emphasizes the importance of self-monitoring in patients with heart conditions. By checking their pulse, they can identify symptoms of digoxin toxicity, which may include dizziness, confusion, or palpitations, thus facilitating timely interventions if needed.

The other suggestions, while they may hold value in a different context of managing heart failure, do not specifically relate to the primary concerns of a patient taking digoxin. Increased exercise may not be advisable without a proper evaluation of the patient's current condition and overall health. Daily weight checks can be beneficial for monitoring fluid retention but are not as critical as pulse checks in the context of digoxin use. Monitoring blood pressure every hour is generally not necessary unless indicated by other health concerns.