Chapter 45: Antiarrhythmic Agents
PrepU Exam
A client is admitted with arrhythmias and placed on cardiac monitoring and prescribed an
antiarrhythmic. Which finding on ongoing assessment should the nurse immediately notify the primary
health care provider? Select all that apply.
Sudden change in mental state
A pulse rate of 100 bpm
Dry mouth and gums
Increased restlessness - ANS sudden change in mental state
A patient is admitted to the cardiology unit of a health care facility for ventricular arrhythmia. In which
condition can an anti-arrhythmic drug be safely administered? - ANS Premature ventricular contraction
The primary health care provider prescribes a class I sodium channel blocker to be given intravenously.
Which drug would the nurse most likely administer? - ANS lidocaine
A client has been prescribed disopyramide (Norpace) to treat a tachydysrhythmia. Which factor would
necessitate that the dose be reduced? - ANS renal impairment
What is the safest precaution to take when administering an antiarrhythmic drug intravenously (IV)?
Choose the BEST response.
Relocate the client's room next to the nurse's station. Place the client on a cardiac monitor.
Count the apical pulse before administration. Administer the drug through new IV line. - ANS Place the
client on a cardiac monitor
,counting the apical pulse before is appropriate, but being on a cardiac monitor (EEG) continuously
through IV treatment allows the continued assessment and documentation of the heart rhythms.
Which physiological conditions are common triggers for the development of cardiac arrhythmias? Select
all that apply.
Respiratory distress
Potassium imbalance
Decreased blood volume
Metabolic acidosis
Faulty sinoventricular node - ANS Respiratory distress, potassium imbalance, metabolic acidosis, and
faulty sinoventricular node
A client, diagnosed with a cardiac dysrhythmia, will not require medication therapy. The client expresses
concern about the lack of proposed treatment. What response should the nurse provide to best address
the client's concern? - ANS "The dysrhythmia you have isn't interfering with getting oxygen to your body
tissues so there is no need to treat it."
A patient receives lidocaine IV. The nurse would expect the drug to exert its effects for how long?
10 to 20 minutes 30 to 40 minutes 60 to 90 minutes 90 to 120 minutes - ANS 10-20 mins
Which best describes the action of class II antiarrhythmics? - ANS Competitive block beta receptor sites
in the heart and kidneys
A patient with cardiac arrhythmia is prescribed verapamil. Which of the following possible adverse
effects should the nurse inform the patient about? - ANS peripheral edema
, After successful treatment for a myocardial infarction, a 69-year-old man has developed a ventricular
arrhythmia. His care team has opted for treatment with a Class II antiarrhythmic. The nurse would
understand that this client is likely to be prescribed: - ANS acebutolol
When describing the action of antiarrhythmics, which effect would most likely be included? - ANS
alteration in conductivity
An ED patient presents with dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain. The patient has a history of
cardiomyopathy. The nursing assessment reveals hypotension with an apical pulse of 134 bpm. What
would the nurse conclude might be causing the symptoms? - ANS inadequate cardiac output
A 68-year-old client is treated with lidocaine for frequent premature ventricular contractions after a
myocardial infarction. The nurse needs to assess this client frequently for adverse reactions that are
dose related. What is the most common mild adverse effect of lidocaine therapy? - ANS apprehension
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving lidocaine. What type of arrhythmia is this class of drugs
used to treat?
Ventricular tachycardia
Acute ventricular arrhythmias
Atrial fibrillation
Acute atrial arrhythmias - ANS acute ventricular arrhythmias
An antiarrhythmic drug is prescribed for a client whose apical pulse rate is 100. What is the nurse's best
action?
Hold the medication.
Administer the medication with water.
Notify the primary care provider.
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