Medications
This antiarrhythmic drug is first-line for V-Fib and pulseless V-Tach after defibrillation and CPR.
What is Amiodarone
Caffeine, nicotine, and certain cold meds fall under this category of arrhythmia risk factors.
What are stimulants?
This faint-inducing symptom is a big red flag that bradycardia is affecting perfusion.
What is syncope?
This visual symptom is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity and may include yellow or green halos.
What is blurry vision?
In a 1st degree block, the PR interval is consistently longer than this time threshold.
What is 0.2 seconds?
This fluid contains electrolytes and is preferred in trauma for volume replacement.
What is Lactated Ringer’s?
This behavior change can improve heart function, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood vessel damage.
What is quitting smoking?
This cause of bradycardia results from abnormal electrical impulses due to sinus node dysfunction.
What is Sick Sinus Syndrome?
This cardiac conduction delay seen on ECG may appear as a first-degree or higher block.
What is A-V block?
This type of AV block often presents with a “grouped beating” or cyclic pattern on ECG.
What is 2nd Degree AV Block Type I (Mobitz I)?
This biguanide is contraindicated in patients with renal failure due to risk of lactic acidosis.
What is Metformin
Before taking meds like beta-blockers or digoxin, patients should do this daily.
What is check their pulse?
This dangerous rhythm can result from untreated tachycardia and lead to syncope or cardiac arrest.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
This ECG interval gets longer, hinting that the heart's conduction system is being slowed by excess K+.
What is a prolonged PR interval?
Unlike Mobitz I, this interval remains constant — right up until a QRS disappears.
What is the PR interval?
This opioid not only eases chest pain but also reduces preload in MI patients.
What is Morphine
This classic symptom may indicate reduced oxygenation and possible myocardial ischemia.
What is chest pain?
This anticholinergic drug is first-line for symptomatic bradycardia or heart block.
What is Atropine?
This potentially life-threatening rhythm can occur in severe hyperkalemia and is often the cause of sudden cardiac death.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
This ominous phrase describes what happens between atrial and ventricular activity in 3rd degree block.
What is AV dissociation?
This oral med class increases insulin secretion but has a high risk of hypoglycemia, especially in older adults.
What are Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide)
This combo of symptoms — chest pain, syncope, and irregular pulse — warrants this immediate action.
What is call 911/seek emergency medical attention?
This potent vasopressor is used in severe bradycardia with hypotension unresponsive to fluids.
What is Norepinephrine?
This diuretic causes hypokalemia, which indirectly increases the risk of prolonged QT.
What is furosemide?
This is the only definitive treatment for symptomatic or unstable 3rd degree block.
What is a pacemaker?