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Monitoring heart rate and rhythm is crucial for patients taking digoxin due to its effects on the cardiovascular system. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of myocardial contractions and slows down the heart rate. Therefore, assessing the heart rate is essential to ensure it remains within a safe range, typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute for most patients. An excessively low heart rate (bradycardia) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity and associated complications.

Furthermore, digoxin can cause changes in the heart's electrical activity, potentially leading to arrhythmias. By monitoring heart rhythm, healthcare professionals can identify any irregularities early and take necessary actions to protect the patient’s health.

In contrast, while monitoring blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature can be important in various clinical situations, they are not specifically critical for patients on digoxin in the same way that heart rate and rhythm are. Blood pressure may be affected indirectly but is not the primary concern with digoxin therapy.