A client presents to the emergency healthcare setting and diagnosed with a life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmia. Which of the following medications would the nurse begin to prepare?
Atenolol
Lisinopril
Adenosine
Procainamide
The Correct Answer is D
A) Atenolol: This is a beta-blocker that can be used for various cardiac conditions, including hypertension and certain arrhythmias, but it is not typically the first-line treatment for acute life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias in the emergency setting.
B) Lisinopril: This medication is an ACE inhibitor primarily used to manage hypertension and heart failure. It does not address acute ventricular dysrhythmias and would not be appropriate for immediate use in this scenario.
C) Adenosine: While adenosine is effective for certain types of supraventricular tachycardia, it is not indicated for life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. It has a very short duration of action and is not the drug of choice in this context.
D) Procainamide: This antiarrhythmic medication is specifically used to treat life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. It works by stabilizing the cardiac membrane and is indicated in emergency situations to manage these types of arrhythmias. Therefore, preparing procainamide is the most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Masking of hypoglycemia: Propranolol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, which is important for clients with diabetes to be aware of. This means that while they may have low blood sugar, they might not experience the typical warning signs due to the medication's effects on the autonomic nervous system.
B) Tachycardia: Propranolol is a beta-blocker that is used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, tachycardia is not a side effect associated with this medication; in fact, it generally works to prevent this condition.
C) Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a common side effect of propranolol due to its action on beta-adrenergic receptors. Clients should be educated about monitoring their heart rate and reporting any significant drops.
D) Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a potential side effect of propranolol, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose. Clients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting.
E) Hypertension: Propranolol is prescribed to manage hypertension, so it should not be expected as a side effect. In fact, it is intended to lower blood pressure, and clients should be educated that they should not experience increased hypertension while taking this medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Pancytopenia: While some medications can cause pancytopenia, it is not a common or direct side effect of alteplase. This condition involves a reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and is not typically associated with thrombolytics.
B) Hypertension: Alteplase is not known to cause hypertension. In fact, the goal of administering alteplase in the context of a pulmonary embolism is to dissolve the clot and restore normal blood flow, which may help stabilize blood pressure.
C) Hypokalemia: This condition, characterized by low potassium levels, is not a common side effect of alteplase. There are other medications that may cause electrolyte imbalances, but alteplase itself is not typically linked to hypokalemia.
D) Internal bleeding: This is a significant risk associated with alteplase, as it is a thrombolytic agent that dissolves clots. The nurse should closely monitor for signs of internal bleeding, such as changes in vital signs, unexplained bruising, or blood in urine or stool. This is the most critical side effect to assess for in a client receiving alteplase