When administering an antiarrhythmic agent, which of the following assessment parameters is the most important for the nurse to evaluate? A. ECG B. Pulse rate C. Respiratory rate D. Blood pressure Correct Answer: A. ECG The ECG is the most important parameter to assess. Vital signs such as RR,… Read More »
Which of the following blood tests will tell the nurse that an adequate amount of drug is present in the blood to prevent arrhythmias? A. Serum chemistries B. Complete blood counts C. Drug levels D. None of the above Correct Answer: C. Drug levels Knowing drug levels… Read More »
Which of the following drugs should be used only in situations in which the client can be very closely monitored, such as a critical care unit? A. bretylium (Bretylol) B. digoxin (Lanoxin) C. quinidine (Cardioquin) D. inderal (Propranolol) Correct Answer: A. bretylium (Bretylol) Among the choices, this… Read More »
The A. digoxin (Lanoxin). toxic antiarrhythmic agent is: A. digoxin (Lanoxin). B. lidocaine (Xylocaine). C. amiodarone (Cordarone). D. quinidine (Cardioquin). Correct Answer: C. amiodarone (Cordarone). This is the most toxic drug and should be used only if other less toxic agents have been tried. Amiodarone is one of the… Read More »
Epinephrine is used to treat cardiac arrest and status asthmaticus because of which of the following actions? A. Increased speed of conduction and gluconeogenesis. B. Bronchodilation and increased heart rate, contractility, and conduction. C. Increased vasodilation and enhanced myocardial contractility. D. Bronchoconstriction and increased heart rate. Correct… Read More »
Following A. Electrolyte status.norepinephrine (Levophed) administration, it is essential to the nurse to assess: A. Electrolyte status. B. Color and temperature of toes and fingers. C. Capillary refill. D. Ventricular arrhythmias. Correct Answer: B. Color and temperature of toes and fingers. Because decreased perfusion is a side effect… Read More »
Norepinephrine (Levophed) is contraindicated in which of the following conditions? A. Hypovolemic shock. B. Neurogenic shock. C. Blood pressures above 80-100 mmHg (systolic). D. Decreased renal perfusion. Correct Answer: A. Hypovolemic shock. Norepinephrine (Levophed) is contraindicated in hypovolemia. Norepinephrine use may be contraindicated to treat hypotension that… Read More »
Which of the following is a contraindication for digoxin administration? A. Blood pressure of 140/90. B. Heart rate above 80. C. Heart rate below 60. D. Respiratory rate above 20. Correct Answer: C. Heart rate below 60. The apical heart rate must be monitored during therapy with… Read More »
When administering dopamine (Intropin), it is most important for the nurse to know that: A. The drug’s action varies according to the dose. B. The drug may be used instead of fluid replacement. C. The drug cannot be directly mixed in solutions containing bicarbonate or aminophylline. D. The lowest dose to produce the… Read More »
Dobutamine (Dobutrex) improves cardiac output and is indicated for use in all of the following conditions except: A. Septic shock B. Congestive heart failure C. Arrhythmias D. Pulmonary congestion Correct Answer: C. Arrhythmias Dobutamine (Dobutrex) is not used to treat arrhythmias. Dobutamine is approved by the Food and… Read More »