Rhythm & Indications
This rhythm is the most common reason a Cardizem drip is started.
What is atrial fibrillation with RVR?
This calcium channel blocker is used for rate control in atrial fibrillation.
What is diltiazem (Cardizem)?
Typical starting rate for a Cardizem drip.
What is 5 mg/hr?
This device must always be used when administering cardiac drips.
What is an infusion pump?
This type of monitoring is required for most cardiac drips.
What is continuous telemetry?
This antiarrhythmic drip is often used for ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation.
What is amiodarone?
This medication slows AV node conduction and can convert certain arrhythmias.
What is amiodarone?
Typical maximum rate for Cardizem infusion.
What is 15 mg/hr?
Before programming a pump, nurses must verify this patient measurement for weight-based drips.
What is patient weight?
This vital sign must be monitored closely when giving Cardizem.
What is blood pressure?
This medication is commonly used to increase blood pressure in septic shock.
What is norepinephrine?
This anticoagulant drip prevents clot formation and requires lab monitoring.
What is heparin?
Amiodarone is often started with this loading infusion rate.
What is 1 mg/min?
This must be independently verified by two nurses for high-alert medications like heparin.
What is the infusion rate calculation?
This serious complication may occur if cardiac medications slow conduction too much.
What is heart block?
This medication increases heart rate and cardiac output during bradycardia or shock.
What is dopamine?
This vasopressor is considered the first-line medication for septic shock.
What is norepinephrine?
Heparin infusions are commonly dosed using this patient factor.
What is weight-based dosing (units/kg/hr)?
This medication delivery method prevents accidental rapid infusion.
What is smart pump drug library programming?
If a patient becomes severely hypotensive during a cardiac drip, the nurse should do this first.
What is slow or stop the infusion and assess the patient?