A patient is admitted to the critical care unit with bradycardia at a heart rate of 39 beats/min and frequent premature ventricular contractions.The nurse notes that the patient is lethargic and reports dizziness for the past 12 hours.Which of the following are acceptable initial treatments for this patient? (Select all that apply.)
A) Atropine
B) Epinephrine
C) Lidocaine
D) Transcutaneous pacemaker
E) Magnesium sulfate infusion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Administer atropine,0.5 mg IV every 3 to 5 minutes to a total dose of 3 mg for symptomatic bradycardia.Transcutaneous pacing is also indicated for symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine.Epinephrine infusion can be used if atropine is not effective but it is not a first-line choice.Lidocaine is contraindicated in bradycardia because it can depress conduction,which would be detrimental with a heart rate of 39 beats/min.Magnesium is not indicated for bradycardia.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Critical Care Unit with Bradycardia