C HAPTER 25: A NTIDYSRHYTHMIC D RUGS
Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is preparing to administer adenosine to a patient who is
experiencing an acute episode of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
When giving this medication, which is important to remember?
a. The onset of action occurs within 5 minutes.
b. The medication must be given as a slow intravenous (IV) push.
c. Asystole may occur for a few seconds after administration.
d. The medication has a long half -life, and therefore duration of action
is very long.
ANS: C
Adenosine has an extremel y short half -life of less than 10 sec onds; its
onset occurs within 1 minute; and it must be given as a fast IV push
injection. In addition, a very brief episode of asystole may occur after
administration.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
2. A 62-year-old man is to receive lidocaine as treatment for a symptomatic
dysrhythmia. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that he has a history of
alcoholism and has late -stage liver failure. The nurse will expect which
adjustments to his drug therapy?
, a. The dosage will be reduced by 50%.
b. A diuretic will be added to the lidocaine.
c. The lidocaine will be changed to an oral dosage form.
d. An increased dosage of lidocaine will be prescribed so a s to obtain
adequate blood levels.
ANS: A
Because lidocaine is metabolized primarily by the liver, a reduction of
the dosage by 50% may be necessary in cases of liver failure or
cirrhosis. Lidocaine does not come in oral form.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Reduction of Risk
Potential
3. A patient has been started on therapy of a continuous infusion of lidocaine
after receiving a loading dose of the drug. The nurse will monito r the
patient for which adverse effect?
a. Drowsiness
b. Nystagmus
c. Dry mouth
d. Convulsions
ANS: D
Convulsions are possible if lidocaine reaches toxic levels. The other
options are not adverse effects of lidocaine.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is preparing to administer adenosine to a patient who is
experiencing an acute episode of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
When giving this medication, which is important to remember?
a. The onset of action occurs within 5 minutes.
b. The medication must be given as a slow intravenous (IV) push.
c. Asystole may occur for a few seconds after administration.
d. The medication has a long half -life, and therefore duration of action
is very long.
ANS: C
Adenosine has an extremel y short half -life of less than 10 sec onds; its
onset occurs within 1 minute; and it must be given as a fast IV push
injection. In addition, a very brief episode of asystole may occur after
administration.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
2. A 62-year-old man is to receive lidocaine as treatment for a symptomatic
dysrhythmia. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that he has a history of
alcoholism and has late -stage liver failure. The nurse will expect which
adjustments to his drug therapy?
, a. The dosage will be reduced by 50%.
b. A diuretic will be added to the lidocaine.
c. The lidocaine will be changed to an oral dosage form.
d. An increased dosage of lidocaine will be prescribed so a s to obtain
adequate blood levels.
ANS: A
Because lidocaine is metabolized primarily by the liver, a reduction of
the dosage by 50% may be necessary in cases of liver failure or
cirrhosis. Lidocaine does not come in oral form.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Reduction of Risk
Potential
3. A patient has been started on therapy of a continuous infusion of lidocaine
after receiving a loading dose of the drug. The nurse will monito r the
patient for which adverse effect?
a. Drowsiness
b. Nystagmus
c. Dry mouth
d. Convulsions
ANS: D
Convulsions are possible if lidocaine reaches toxic levels. The other
options are not adverse effects of lidocaine.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
