Therapeutic Use
Treats some cardiac dysrhythmias (Atrial fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia)
(Hint: Toxicity S/S include anorexia)
What is Digoxin?
Digoxin
Cardiac dysrhythmias (most commonly AV block)
GI symptoms: N/V, Anorexia
CNS symptoms: Fatigue, yellow vision, blurred vision
Amiodarone
Baseline chest X-ray and pulmonary function before therapy
Auscultate breath sounds and report changes/adventitious sounds
Monitor for changes in vision, light sensitivity
Monitor pulse and blood pressure
Increases cardiac output in severe heart failure (short-term use only)
Hint: The first heart for Denny Duquette was on a drip of this medication when Dr. Burke arrived at the hospital before Izzy cut the LVAD wire.
What is dobutamine?
Dobutamine
Tachycardia
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Angina (chest pain)
Lidocaine
Monitor for CNS effects
Monitor VS and cardiac rhythm
Broad spectrum antidysrhythmic used to treat Atrial Fibrillation, and Supraventricular and Ventricular Tachycardia.
Hint: This medication is only given short term due to severe adverse effects, so "mide" life better be in danger!
What is procainamide?
Nitroglycerine
Headache (severe at first)
Orthostatic hypotension
Tachycardia
Tolerance develops quickly
Dobutamine
Monitor ECG rhythm and vital signs continuously during infusion
Treat cardiac dysrhythmias as needed
Decrease or discontinue for tachydysrhythmias
Controls only ventricular dysrhythmias caused by MI, cardiac surgery or procedures, and digoxin toxicity.
Hint: Also used as a local/regional anesthetic
What is lidocaine?
Amiodarone
GI symptoms: N/V/C, Anorexia
ARDS
Pulmonary toxicity with pneumonitis (fever, SOB)
Dizziness, Fatigue, Malaise, Ataxia, Paresthesia and Corneal Microdeposits
Bradycardia, Hypotension
Blue-grey discoloration of skin
Digoxin
Monitor and report GI and CNS symptoms to provider
Take apical pulse for 1 full minute before administering (hold <60)
Monitor serum potassium levels frequently
Monitor cardiac rhythm
Manages life-threatening ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation that is resistant to other drugs.
May treat some atrial dysrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
Hint: It's "a - mi" slowing down your heart rate!
What is amiodarone?
Lidocaine
CNS effects: Confusion, Drowsiness, Restlessness, Paresthesia, Muscle twitching, Tremors, Seizures
Hypotension, Bradycardia (Heart Block in high doses)
Adenosine
ONLY administered IV
Give very fast over 1 to 2 seconds for PVST due to short half-life
Use port near IV insertion site immediately followed by 20mL bolus