Chapter 23: Drugs Used to Treat Dysrhythmias Clayton/Willihnganz: Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 17th Edition

1. What is the action of amiodarone (Cordarone), a class III agent used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias? a. It acts as a myocardial depressant by inhibiting sodium ion movement. b. It prolongs the duration of the electrical stimulation on cells and the refractory time between electrical impulses. c. It acts as a beta-adrenergic agent. d. It slows the rate of electrical conduction and prolongs the time between contractions. ANS: D Class I antidysrhythmic drugs act as a myocardial depressant by inhibiting sodium ion movement. Class II antidysrhythmic drugs act as beta-adrenergic agents. Class III agents slow the rate of electrical conduction and prolong the time between contractions. Class IV antidysrhythmic drugs prolong the duration of the electrical stimulation on cells and the refractory time between electrical impulses. DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 365 | Page 372 OBJ: 2 TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment 2. How many milligrams of lidocaine will the nurse administer via intravenous (IV) bolus to a 30-year-old patient with ventricular tachycardia who weighs 75 kg after a myocardial infarction? a. 10 b. 25 c. 50 d. 75 ANS: D The initial lidocaine bolus is 1 to 1.5 mg/kg, decreased by half in older adults, patients with hepatic disease, and patients with heart failure. Doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg are too low for a patient of this weight. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 369 OBJ: 3 TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment 3. A patient is taking amiodarone (Cordarone) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and begins to complain of dizziness. Wh