Class IA antiarrhythmic agents have little effect on:         A. AV node      B. SA node      C. Purkinje fibers      D. Bundle of His           Correct Answer: B. SA node Class IA antiarrhythmics have little effect on the SA node. It causes moderate degree blockage of fast sodium channels. Drugs include… Read More »

Which of the following drugs can cause severe hematologic disorders?         A. digoxin (Lanoxin)      B. quinidine (Cardioquin)      C. disopyramide (Norpace)      D. procainamide (Pronestyl)           Correct Answer: D. procainamide (Pronestyl) Pronestyl is known for this serious side effect. Associate Pronestyl with plasma — P and P. This drug is known… Read More »

Which of the following ECG findings alerts the nurse that the client needs an antiarrhythmic?         A. Normal sinus rhythm      B. Sinus bradycardia      C. Sinus arrhythmia      D. Frequent ventricular ectopy           Correct Answer: D. Frequent ventricular ectopy Ventricular ectopy can be a life-threatening arrhythmia; therefore, the client needs an… Read More »

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 »