ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 25 : Antidysrhythmic Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adenosine has a very short half-life (<10 seconds) and is given as a rapid IV push. A brief period of asystole may occur, which is expected due to its transient AV node blockade. Slow IV push or long half-life are incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lidocaine is metabolized by the liver, so in liver failure, a 50% dosage reduction is often necessary to prevent toxicity. Lidocaine is not given orally, diuretics are not added, and increasing the dose is unsafe.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has been started on therapy of a continuous infusion of lidocaine after receiving a loading dose of the drug. The nurse will monitor the patient for which adverse effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lidocaine toxicity can cause convulsions due to central nervous system effects. Drowsiness, nystagmus, and dry mouth are not primary adverse effects of lidocaine.
Question 4 of 5
When starting a patient on antidysrhythmic therapy, the nurse will remember that which problem is a potential adverse effect of any antidysrhythmic drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antidysrhythmic drugs can cause new dysrhythmias (prodysrhythmic effect) due to their effects on cardiac electrophysiology. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, hyperkalemia, and heart failure are not universal adverse effects.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is in the emergency department with a new onset of rapid-rate atrial fibrillation, and the nurse is preparing a continuous infusion. Which drug is most appropriate for this dysrhythmia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diltiazem is used for rate control in atrial fibrillation by slowing AV node conduction, making it appropriate for rapid-rate atrial fibrillation. Atenolol, lidocaine, and adenosine are not primarily used for this purpose.