ICU Cardiac Medications

Question 1

Adenosine, an antidysrhythmic medication is used for?

Answer 1

Stable, narrow-complex Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (originating in the atria); Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

Question 2

What Antidysrhythmic is not effective in Afib/flutter or Ventricular Tachycardia

Answer 2

Adenosine

Remember: VT is different from SVT in that SVT originates in the upper chambers (atria), while VT is in the lower chambers, the ventricles.

Question 3

What are the therapeutic effects of Adenosin?

Answer 3

Slows AV node conduction (Decreased conduction time leads to an antiarrhythmic effect); interrupts reentry pathways

Question 4

What are the adverse effects of Adenosine?

Answer 4

Cardiac Arrest, bradycardia, MI, AV-block, bronchospasm, hypotension, flushing, chest discomfort

Question 5

What is the typical IV push dose for Adenosine?

Answer 5

6mg RAPID IV push (followed by 20mL flush); 12 mg for second dose

Question 6

Amiodarone, an antidysrhythmic is used for what?

Answer 6

Treatment and prophylaxis for patients with UNSTABLE (hypotensive, decreased LOC, chest pain) VT/VF or STABLE wide-complex tachycardia