The infant is admitted to the unit with tetralogy of fallot. The nurse would anticipate an order for which medication?
A. Digoxin
B. Epinephrine
C. Aminophylline
D. Atropine
Correct Answer: A. Digoxin
The infant with Tetralogy of Fallot involves four heart defects: A large ventricular septal defect (VSD), Pulmonary stenosis, Right ventricular hypertrophy and, An overriding aorta. He will be treated with digoxin to slow and strengthen the heart.
Option B: One of the side effects of epinephrine is the pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat, which is detrimental to a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot.
Option C: Increased or rapid heart rate is an adverse effect of aminophylline and should be avoided for a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot.
Option D: Atropine prevents or abolishes bradycardia.