Deck 23: Drugs Used to Treat Dysrhythmias

Question 1

Which statement is true regarding the antidysrhythmic agent adenosine (Adenocard)?

A) It is synthesized from petroleum products.
B) It is created through recombinant DNA.
C) It is extracted from plants.
D) It is a naturally occurring chemical in the body.

Answer 1

It is a naturally occurring chemical in the body.

Question 2

A patient is taking amiodarone (Cordarone)for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and begins to complain of dizziness.What will the nurse instruct the patient to do?

A) Discontinue the medication immediately.
B) Decrease the medication dosage for 1 week,and then resume the original order.
C) Change positions slowly.
D) Increase the dosage per healthcare provider directions.

Answer 2

Change positions slowly.

Question 3

Patients who are on neuromuscular blocking agents and lidocaine must be closely observed for which complication?

A) Hyperkalemia
B) Respiratory depression
C) Neurotoxicity
D) Seizures

Answer 3

Respiratory depression

Question 4

A patient is admitted to the telemetry unit with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.When performing the initial assessment,the nurse records blood pressure in the left arm of 142/84,blood pressure in the right arm of 138/80,temperature of 98.8°F,and radial pulse of 80 that is weak and irregular.The nurse should notify the physician regarding:

A) both blood pressure and pulse.
B) blood pressure only.
C) pulse only.
D) both blood pressure and temperature.

Question 5

A patient is admitted to the acute care telemetry unit with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.The physician orders dofetilide (Tikosyn).Before initiating this medication,the nurse will:

A) hold anticoagulant medications.
B) remove ECG leads.
C) assess potassium level.
D) ensure Q-Tc interval is more than 440 to 500 msec.

Question 6

Which symptom will the nurse encourage the patient taking flecainide to report to the healthcare provider?

A) Headache
B) Dizziness
C) Constipation
D) Weight gain

Question 7

Amiodarone is contraindicated for patients with which condition?

A) Pulmonary edema
B) Severe sinus node dysfunction causing bradycardia
C) Atrial fibrillation
D) Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

Question 8

The nurse is preparing to administer procainamide hydrochloride for the first time to a patient newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.Before administering this medication,the nurse will assess: (Select all that apply.)

A) cardiac rhythm.
B) blood pressure.
C) oxygen saturation.
D) blood glucose levels.
E) liver function tests.

Question 9

How many milligrams of lidocaine will the nurse administer via intravenous (IV)bolus to a 30-year-old patient with ventricular tachycardia who weighs 75 kg after a myocardial infarction?

A) 10
B) 25
C) 50
D) 75

Question 10

The nurse is preparing to administer adenosine to a patient with supraventricular tachycardia.Which consideration(s)should the nurse take into account before administration? (Select all that apply.)

A) Constant ECG monitoring is necessary.
B) Initial recommended dosage is 12 mg IV bolus.
C) Rapid IV bolus administration is recommended.
D) Saline flush following bolus is necessary.
E) Long half-life of adenosine may prolong adverse medication effects.

Question 11

A patient who is started on phenytoin (Dilantin),who is also taking amiodarone (Cordarone),should be assessed for what possible effect?

A) Central nervous system depression and sedation
B) Decrease in effectiveness of phenytoin
C) Respiratory depression
D) Increase in serum phenytoin levels

Question 12

Which lidocaine preparation is appropriate for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias?

A) 0.1% lidocaine with preservative
B) 2% lidocaine for topical use
C) Lidocaine patch
D) Injectable lidocaine without preservative

Question 13

What is the action of amiodarone (Cordarone),a class III agent used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?

A) It acts as a myocardial depressant by inhibiting sodium ion movement.
B) It prolongs the duration of the electrical stimulation on cells and the refractory time between electrical impulses.
C) It acts as a beta-adrenergic agent.
D) It slows the rate of electrical conduction and prolongs the time between contractions.

Question 14

The patient recently prescribed quinidine is at highest risk for which common adverse effect?

A) Chills
B) Diarrhea
C) Nausea
D) Rash

Question 15

The nurse is preparing to mix a lidocaine infusion for a patient.Which consideration(s)should the nurse take into account before administration? (Select all that apply.)

A) Lidocaine with preservatives should be used.
B) Dextrose 5% is the solution to mix with lidocaine.
C) Therapeutic blood levels should be 1 to 5 mg/L.
D) The rate of administration is 1 to 4 mg/min.
E) Monitor for changes in neurologic status.