Dysrhythmia Meds

Question 1

P wave

Answer 1

• Is one of the waves that starts every heartbeat.
• Its the small bump at the beginning that represents and (SA) node electrical event.

Question 2

Atrial Fibrillation

Answer 2

-It’s an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart.

• Increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
• This happens when the SA node is not in control of initiating the heartbeat.
• Causes an unclear P wave on their EKG causing the rhythm to look irregular.

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 3

• Heart palpitations (Pounding heartbeat)
• Chest pains
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Dyspnea
• Weakness

Question 4

Major classes of Dysrhythmias medications

Answer 4

• Class 1a, 1b, 1c - N+channel blockers (Lidocaine)
• Class II - Beta blockers (Propranolol)
• Class III - K+ channel blockers (Amiodarone)
• Class IV - Ca2+ channel blockers (Verapamil)

Question 5

Other Dysrhythmia medications

Answer 5

• Blood thinners
• Digoxin
• Adenosine (Not a treatment for Atrial Fibrillation)

Question 6

Facts about Amiodarone?

Answer 6

• Prescribed for many Dysrhythmias including Atrial Fibrillation.
• It blocks the Na+ channels, beta receptors, Calcium channels.
• Its a very lipid soluble.
• Has a very long half life (about 100 days)

Question 7

High yield concepts of Amiodarone?

Answer 7

• Amiodarone toxicities (Not good for long term use)
• Dysrhythmias

Question 8

Amiodraone Toxicity

Answer 8

• Lung problems (Pulmonary fibrosis)
• Liver issue (hepatotoxicity)
• Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism)
• Eye problems (optic neuropathy & corneal deposits)

Question 9

Facts about Adenosine?

Answer 9

• It resets the heart.
• It doesn’t treat Atrial Fibrillation.
• It has a very short half life (less than 10 secs)
• It is rapidly pushed and immediately flushed with Normal saline.

Question 10

High yield concepts of Adenosine?

Answer 10

• Has very short half life (less than 10 secs)
• Must be infused very quickly via IV line (push rapidly 1-2 secs).
• Can cause the heart to temporarily stop and resets its rhythm.
• Dyspnea.
• Reports of impending sense of doom.