Atrial Rhythms

Question 1

what is a PAC?

Answer 1

premature atrial contraction, event not a rhythm

Question 2

causes of PAC

Answer 2

stress, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, hypoxia, fever, hypokalemia, COPD, heart disease

Question 3

PAC treatment

Answer 3

monitor, notify doc if more than 6/min

Question 4

where does the impulse originate in A-fib?

Answer 4

multiple random places in the atria

Question 5

when is a-fib considered uncontrolled?

Answer 5

HR over 100

Question 6

causes of a-fib

Answer 6

heart disease/surgery, COPD, electrolyte imbalances, fever

Question 7

a-fib treatment - rate control

Answer 7

vagal maneuvers, diltiazem (Ca channel blocker)

Question 8

diltiazem assessment

Answer 8

BP, HR, O2, ask about chest pain

Question 9

a-fib treatment - rhythm control

Answer 9

amiodarone, cardioversion

Question 10

amiodarone assessment

Answer 10

monitor BP, rate, rhythm, O2, ask about chest pain

Question 11

amiodarone side effects

Answer 11

prolonged QT, cough, can cause renal/liver damage

Question 12

what must you do before hitting shock when cardioverting?

Answer 12

make sure sync mode is on, sedate patient, remove medication patches, low energy, all clear

Question 13

causes of SVT

Answer 13

stress, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, heart disease, COPD

Question 14

SVT treatment

Answer 14

vagal maneuvers, Ca channel/beta blockers, cardioversion, adenosine

Question 15

how is adenosine given? dose?

Answer 15

6 mg rapid push & flush, then 12 if unsuccessful

Question 16

adenosine assessment

Answer 16

assess BP, rate, rhythm, O2, patient will feel chest pain