Class I - II Drugs
Drug of choice for ventricular dysrhythmias according to Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines
What is Amiodarone
Two drugs that have significant interaction with Amiodarone
What is Warfarin and digoxin. Dig levels will increase 50% and INR will increase by 50% in 100% of patients. If already taking one of these drugs recommendation is to reduce dosage by 50%
What are the two calcium channel blockers drugs most commonly used to treating dysrhythmias that arise above the ventricles (PSVT)
What is Verapamil and Diltiazem
Unexpected fatal cardiac arrest
What is Sudden Cardiac Death
This dysrhythmia predisposes the patient to stroke due to blood becoming stagnate in the incompletely emptied atria which makes it more likely to clot
What is Atrial Fibrillation
This class of drugs are membrane stabilizing drugs and exert their action on the sodium (fast) channels
What are Class I drugs
The drug Procainamide has been linked to significant adverse effects including _______________ which occurs in about 30% of patients on long term therapy
What is Systemic Lupus Erythermatosus like syndrome
Primary use of for temporary control of rapid ventricular response in patients with AFib or Flutter and PSVT
What is Diltiazem
System most commonly used to classify antidysrhythmic drugs
Vaughan Williams Classification
Third degree heart block or complete heart block often require the intervention of
What is a pacemaker
It is important that lidocaine vials can be labeled for two different uses therefore it is very important to pay attention to the label. What are these uses
Cardiac or not for cardiac
This drug is fat loving and can penetrate and conncentrate in the adipose tissue of any organ in the body. Can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Adverse reactions occur in approximately 75% of patients treated with this drug
What is Amiodarone
Patient taking Amiodarone for 6 months should be concerned when the patient complains of which adverse effect
Photophobia or Dysphagia
What is Dysphagia
Any disturbance or abnormality in heart rhythm
What is Dysrhythmia
Only two Class III drugs available for rapid conversion of AFib and flutter
What is Ibutilide (Covert) and Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
Following an MI these are released making the heart hyperirritable and predisposed to many types of dysrhythmias
What are Catecholamines
Has been know to cause serious toxicity, specifically torsades de pointes therefore only physicians who have received special training are allowed to prescribe it
What is Tikosyn
Must be initiated in the hospital and patient must have continuous EKG monitoring for first 3 days
When administering any antidysrhythmias monitor vitals signs, especially pulse rate and blood pressure. If pulse is below how many beats per minute notify prescriber
What is 60
Technically having "no rhythm" meaning no heartbeat at all
What is Arrhythmia
Antidysrhythmia medication that can be used without an infusion pump
None, all require an infusion pump for proper dosing
Should caffeine containing foods be limited in persons taking antidysrhythmic drugs. True or false
What is True
A patient with a rapid irregular heart rhythm is being treated in the ED with adenosine. During administration the nurse will be prepared to monitor the patient for which effecgt
What is brief period of systole
What instructions would be given to a patient who has been sick and missed a dose of their medication
What is take the next dose as scheduled
The voltage that existst when the cell membranes of hert muscles are at rest
What is Resting Membrane Potential?
What are four therapeutic effects desired post antidysrhythmic drugs
Enhanced Cardiac Output
Improved Vitals
Overall Well Being
Decreased Chest Discomfort and Fatigue
Improved Urinary Output
Improvement in Skin Color and Temperature