Dysrhythmias

Question 1

Care of Pt w/ Dysrhythmias

Answer 1

• VS q4
• Monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias
• Evaluate & document pt’s response
• Encourage pt to notify nurse if chest pain occurs
• Assess for chest pain & resp difficulty
• Assess peripheral circulation
• Admin med & monitor response
• Monitor lab values
• Monitor activity tolerance & schedule exercise/rest periods to avoid fatigue
• Promote stress reduction
• Offer spiritual support

Question 2

Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation

Answer 2

• Assess for:
  > fatigue
  > weakness
  > SOB
  > dizziness
  > anxiety
  > syncope
  > palpitations
  > chest discomfort or pain
  > hypotension
• High risk for PE, VTE, stroke

Question 3

AFib Drug Therapy

Answer 3

• Calcium Channel Blocker: Diltiazem (Cardizem)
• Class 3 Antiarrhythmic agent: Aminodarone (Cordarone)
• Beta Blockers: Metoprolol (Toprol) & Esmolol (Brevibloc)
  > slows ventricular response
• For pts w/ HF & AFib: Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Anticoagulants: Heparin, Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Antiplatelet: Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix)