arrhythmias Flashcards
s/s AFIB
- asymptomatic
* irregular pulse/no pattern
key test results AFIB
- ECG shows irregular atrial rhythm
- atrial rate greater than 400 bp
- irregular ventricular rhythm
- QRS complexes of uniform configuration and duration
- indiscernible PR interval
- no P waves (fibrillation waves)
key treatments AFIB
- antiarrhythmics (if stable)
- amiodarone (Cardarone)
- digoxin (Lanoxin)
- diltiazam (Cardizem)
- procainamide
- verapamil (Calan)
- syncronized cardioversion (if client unstable)
key interventions
*if pts. pulse is abnormally rapid, slow, or irregular watch
for signs of hypo perfusion (hypotension & ams)
*life threatening arrhythmias happen rapidly assess for:
LOC, RESP, PULSE
*initiate CPR early if indicated
*defibrillation early for ventricular tachycardia and
ventricular fibrillation
*admin meds as needed
*prepare for medical procedures
*provide adequate O2 to reduce hearts workload
*carefully maintain metabolic, neurologic, respiratory and hemodynamic status
*follow acts protocol for endotracheal intubation
s/s Asystole
- unresponsive
- apnea
- cyanosis
- no palpable blood pressure
- pulselessness
key test results Asystole
- ECG shows no atrial or ventricle rate rhythm
* no discernable P waves, qrs complexes or t waves
key treatments
*cpr
*ACLS protocol for endotracheal intubation and possible
transcutaneous pacing
*antiarrhythmics: atropine, epinephrine
key interventions
*if pts. pulse is abnormally rapid, slow, or irregular watch
for signs of hypo perfusion (hypotension & ams)
*life threatening arrhythmias happen rapidly assess for:
LOC, RESP, PULSE
*initiate CPR early if indicated
*defibrillation early for ventricular tachycardia and
ventricular fibrillation
*admin meds as needed
*prepare for medical procedures
*provide adequate O2 to reduce hearts workload
*carefully maintain metabolic, neurologic, respiratory and hemodynamic status
*follow acts protocol for endotracheal intubation
s/s ventricular fibrillation
- apnea
- no palpable BP
- pulselessness
key test results ventricular fibrillation
- ECG shows rapid and chaotic ventricular rhythm
- wide & irregular or absent QRS complexes
- no visible P waves
key treatment ventricular fibrillation
*cpr
*defibrillation
*endotracheal intubation
*antiarrhythmics:
amiodarone (cordarone)
epinephrine
vasopressin
lidocain
magnesium sulfate
procainamide
key interventions
*if pts. pulse is abnormally rapid, slow, or irregular watch
for signs of hypo perfusion (hypotension & ams)
*life threatening arrhythmias happen rapidly assess for:
LOC, RESP, PULSE
*initiate CPR early if indicated
*defibrillation early for ventricular tachycardia and
ventricular fibrillation
*admin meds as needed
*prepare for medical procedures
*provide adequate O2 to reduce hearts workload
*carefully maintain metabolic, neurologic, respiratory and hemodynamic status
*follow acts protocol for endotracheal intubation
s/s: ventricular tachycardia
- diaphoresis
- hypotension
- weak or absent pulse
- dizziness
key test results for ventricular tachycardia
- ECG shows ventricular rate of 140-220 bp
- wide and bizarre QRS complexes
- no discernable P waves
- may start or stop suddenly
key treatment for ventricular tachycardia
*cpr if pulseless
*defibrillation
*antiarrhythmics:
amiodarone
epinephrine
lidocaine
magnesium sulfate
procainamide
*endotracheal intubation if pulseless
