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 ["C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A) Constipation: While constipation can occur with digoxin use, it is not a classic sign of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, it is less critical for the client to monitor this symptom specifically in relation to toxicity.
B) Dark red urine: Dark red urine is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. This symptom could indicate other conditions, such as blood in the urine or issues with the kidneys, but it is not a direct manifestation of digoxin toxicity.
C) Bradycardia: Digoxin toxicity can lead to bradycardia, characterized by a slower than normal heart rate. The client should be instructed to monitor their pulse and report any significant changes, especially if the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute.
D) Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom of digoxin toxicity. Clients should be aware of this and report any persistent or severe nausea, as it may indicate that the digoxin levels in their system are too high.
E) Vomiting: Vomiting is another classic sign of digoxin toxicity. Clients should be instructed to report any episodes of vomiting, as this can further complicate their condition and may require adjustment of their medication.
F) Anorexia: Anorexia, or loss of appetite, can also occur with digoxin toxicity. Clients should be advised to monitor their appetite and report any significant changes, as this can be an early indicator of toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.