Download adams_ch39_ln

Document related concepts

Drug discovery wikipedia , lookup

Transcript
Pharmacology
Connections to Nursing Practice
CHAPTER
39
Pharmacotherapy of Dysrhythmias
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Adams Chapter 39
Question 2
A client who is receiving intravenous
lidocaine (Xylocaine) for ventricular
dysrhythmias exhibits confusion and anxiety.
The appropriate response by the nurse
would be to:
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 2 Choices
1. Withhold the drug and notify the health
care provider immediately.
2. Increase the infusion rate and calm the
client.
3. Discontinue the infusion and administer
the antidote.
4. Decrease the infusion rate and monitor
for confusion.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 2 Answer
1. Withhold the drug and notify the
health care provider immediately.
2. Increase the infusion rate and calm the
client.
3. Discontinue the infusion and administer
the antidote.
4. Decrease the infusion rate and monitor
for confusion.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 2 Rationale
The first sign of lidocaine toxicity involves
confusion, anxiety, tremors, and
paresthesia. If these symptoms are
manifested in a client receiving lidocaine,
the nurse should withhold the medication
and immediately notify the prescriber.
Option 2 is incorrect because increasing the
infusion rate would increase the serum level
of the drug and consequently make the
client even more toxic.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 2 Rationale
Calming the client will probably be
ineffective, since the anxiety is due to a toxic
level of the drug. Option 3 is incorrect
because the only way to reduce a toxic
serum level of lidocaine is to discontinue the
medication and allow the drug to be
excreted through physiological mechanisms.
There is no antidote.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 2 Rationale
Option 4 is incorrect because simply
reducing the infusion rate will be a
dangerous action when the client is suffering
from toxic drug levels.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 3
The client is prescribed a beta-adrenergic
antagonist for the treatment of atrial
dysrhythmias associated with heart failure.
The nurse knows that this drug will have
what physiologic effect?
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 3 Choices
1. Increased heart rate and reduced
respiratory status
2. Decreased heart rate and conduction
velocity
3. Elimination of phase 4 of the action
potential
4. Flattened T wave on the ECG pattern
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 3 Answer
1. Increased heart rate and reduced
respiratory status
2. Decreased heart rate and conduction
velocity
3. Elimination of phase 4 of the action
potential
4. Flattened T wave on the ECG pattern
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 3 Rationale
Beta blockers reduce heart rate and reduce
the rate of cardiac conduction. This action
decreases the incidence of cardiac
dysrhythmias by blocking calcium ion
channels in the SA and AV nodes. Option 1
is incorrect because beta-adrenergic
antagonist (aka beta-blockers) slow the
heart and do not reduce respiratory status.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 3 Rationale
Option 3 is incorrect because phase 4 of the
action potential is when the myocardial cell
is resting and the exchange of ions (sodium,
calcium, and potassium) has not yet started.
To eliminate this phase would reduce the
resting phase of the heart.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 3 Rationale
Option 4 is incorrect because the
assessment findings of a flattened T wave
on the ECG complex usually represents
ischemia (inadequate blood flow) to the
myocardium and is always bad.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 4
A client is being discharged with a diagnosis
of dysrhythmias. The nurse is teaching the
client about amiodarone (Cordarone). What
client teaching is needed related to this
medication?
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 4 Choices
1. Avoid crowds while taking this
medication.
2. Avoid birth control pills and use an
alternate form of birth control.
3. Wear protective clothing and a barriertype sunscreen.
4. Use an electric razor to shave.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 4 Answer
1. Avoid crowds while taking this
medication.
2. Avoid birth control pills and use an
alternate form of birth control.
3. Wear protective clothing and a
barrier-type sunscreen.
4. Use an electric razor to shave.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 4 Rationale
One problem associated with this drug is
photosensitivity. The patient should be
instructed to avoid direct sunlight and wear
protective clothing and barrier type
sunscreen lotions. Option 1 is incorrect.
Avoiding crowds is an instruction given to a
client who is immune suppressed.
Amiodarone is not known to cause this
problem.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Question 4 Rationale
Option 2 is incorrect because amiodarone
does not seem to interact with oral
contraceptives. Option 4 is incorrect. This is
an instruction that a nurse should give the
patient when the drug causes bleeding
tendencies. This is not a typical adverse
effect with amiodarone.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify disorders associated with an
increased risk of dysrhythmias.
2. Explain how rhythm abnormalities can
affect cardiac function.
3. Diagram a typical cardiac action potential
and label the flow of potassium, sodium,
and calcium ions during each phase.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Learning Outcomes
4. Design a table that indicates the
classification of dysrhythmias and the
types of drugs used to treat them.
5. Describe general principles in the
management of dysrhythmias.
6. Identify the primary mechanisms of
action of antidysrhythmic drugs.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Learning Outcomes
7. For each of the classes shown in the
chapter outline, identify the prototype
and representative drugs and explain the
mechanism(s) of drug action, primary
indications, contraindications, significant
drug interactions, pregnancy category,
and important adverse effects.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Learning Outcomes
8. Use the nursing process to care for
patients receiving drug therapy for
dysrhythmias.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
PharmFACT
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Etiology of Dysrhythmias
39.1 Some dysrhythmias produce no patient
symptoms, while others may be life
threatening.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Dysrhythmias
• Some are asymptomatic
• Others require immediate treatment
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Typical Symptoms
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Decreased exercise tolerance
Palpitations
Dyspnea
Syncope
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Diseases Associated with
Dysrhythmias
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
HTN
Cardiac valve disease
CAD
Hyper/hypokalemia
MI
CVA
Diabetes mellitus
CHF
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Phases and Measurement of
the Cardiac Action Potential
39.2 The phases of cardiac action potential
include rapid depolarization, a long plateau,
and repolarization.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Phases of Myocardial Action
Potential
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Myocardial Action Potential
• Phase 4
– Cell is resting
– Membrane potential slowly increasing toward
threshold potential
• Phase 0
– Action potential begins when threshold
potential is reached
– Sodium rushes in producing rapid
depolarization
– Calcium enters at a slower rate
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Myocardial Action Potential
• Phase 1
– Brief transient phase
– Inside of plasma membrane reverses charge
becoming positive
• Phase 2
– Plateau reached in which depolarization is
maintained
– Additional calcium enters
– Contraction of cardiac muscle
– Efflux of potassium from cells
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Myocardial Action Potential
• Phase 3
– Calcium channels close
– Additional potassium channels open
– Repolarization returns negative resting
membrane potential
• Refractory period
– Brief period where depolarization cannot
occur
– Ensures myocardial cell finishes contracting
before another action potential begins
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Connection Checkpoint 39.1
From what you learned in Chapter 33,
what are the three types of calcium
channels? Which type is blocked by
calcium channel blocker medications?
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Phases and Measurement of
the Cardiac Action Potential
39.3 The electrocardiogram is used to
measure electrical conduction across the
myocardium.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
ECG and Electrical Conduction
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Classification of
Dysrhythmias
39.4 Dysrhythmias are classified by the
impulse origin and type of rhythm
abnormality produced.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Types of Dysrhythmias
• Bradydysrhythmias
– HR < 60 bpm
– Common in older adults
– Major indication for pacemakers
• Tachydysrhythmias
– HR > 100 bpm
– Incidence increases in older adults and those
with preexisting cardiac disease
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Common Bradydysrhythmias
• Sinus bradycardia
• Sick sinus syndrome
• AV conduction block
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Common Tachydysrhythmias
•
•
•
•
•
Atrial tachycardia
Atrial flutter
Atrial fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular fibrillation
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
General Principles of
Dysrhythmia Management
39.5 Antidysrhythmic drugs are only used
when there is a clear benefit to the patient.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
General Management Principles
• Asymptomatic dysrhythmias
– Little or no benefit to treatment with
medications
• Acute dysrhythmias
– In life-threatening cases medications
warranted
• Prophylaxis of dysrhythmias
– Initiated for high risk patients
– Avoid drug combinations that increase QT
interval
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
General Management Principles
• Nonpharmacologic treatment
– Cardioversion
– Defibrillation
– Identification and destruction of myocardial
cells responsible for abnormal conduction
– Cardiac pacemakers
– ICDs
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Drugs for Dysrhythmias
39.6 Antidysrhythmic drugs are classified by
their mechanism of action.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Antidysrhythmic Drugs
• Therapeutic goals
– Terminate existing dysrhythmia
– Prevent abnormal rhythms
• Classification is based on the stage they
affect action potential
• Use has declined in recent years
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Sodium Channel Blockers:
Class I
39.7 Class I antidysrhythmics act by blocking
ion channels in myocardial cells.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Sodium Channel Blockers
• Largest group of antidysrhythmics
• Similar in structure and function to local
anesthetics
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Ion Channels in Myocardial Cells
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Class IA
• Block sodium channels during phase 0 of
action potential
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
• Therapeutic Classification
– Antidysrhythmic, Class IA
• Pharmacologic Classification
– Sodium channel blocker
• Pregnancy Category C
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
• Mechanism of Action
– Blocks sodium ion channels in myocardial
cells
– Reduces automaticity and slows velocity of
action potential
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Indications
Ventricular tachycardia during
CPR
Refractory ventricular fibrillation
during CPR
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
during CPR
PAT, Aflutter, Afibrillation
Prophylaxis of PSVT
Drug of last choice for ACLS
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
•
•
•
•
•
•
Contraindications
2nd or 3rd degree AV heart block
Severe HF
Peripheral neuropathy
Myasthenia gravis
Shock
Severe hypotension
Precautions
•
•
•
Lupus
Renal impairment
Bone marrow suppression
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
• Drug Interactions
– Additive cardiac depressant with other
antidysrhythmics
– Additive anticholinergic adverse effects with
anticholinergics
– May increase levels of amiodarone or
quinidine
– Hypotension with antihypertensives
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
• Adverse Effects
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Headache
Fever
Anorexia
Weakness
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
• At high doses
– Confusion
– Psychosis
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
• Nursing Responsibilities
– Check apical and radial pulses before dose
– Continuous ECG and BP monitoring during IV
administration
– Assess for adverse effects
– Monitor therapeutic blood level
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Procainamide
(Procan SR, Pronestyl)
• Patient/Family Teaching
– Immediately report adverse effects
– Check weight
– Monitor pulse rates
– Avoid alcohol
– Report decreased effectiveness
– Do not take other medications or supplements
– Medic alert identification
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Similar Drugs to Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Disopyramide (Norpace)
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Class IB Drugs
•
•
•
•
Lidocaine, mexiletine, phenytoin
Shorten refractory period
Little effect on conduction velocity
Primary indications are ventricular
dysrhythmias
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Class IC Drugs
• Flecainide, propafenone
• Profoundly decrease conduction velocity
• PR, QRS, and QT intervals are often
prolonged
• Life-threatening atrial dysrhythmias
• Pronounced prodysrhythmic effect
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Other Class I Agents
• Moricizine (ethmozine)
– Unique properties attributed to all Class I
subclasses
– Discontinued in 2007 due to lack of demand
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists:
Class II
39.8 Beta-adrenergic antagonists reduce
automaticity as well as slow conduction
velocity in the heart.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists
• Treat HTN, MI, HF, and dysrhythmias
• Block calcium channels in SA and AV
nodes
• Slow HR
• Decrease conduction velocity
• Include acebutolol (Sectral), esmolol
(Brevibloc), propranolol (Inderal)
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Connection Checkpoint 39.2
Both alpha1 blockers and beta1 blockers are used
to treat HTN but only the beta1 blockers are
antidysrhythmics.
From what you learned in Chapter 20, explain
why the selective alpha blockers are not used
to treat dysrhythmias.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Potassium Channel Blockers:
Class III
39.7 Class I antidysrhythmics act by blocking
ion channels in myocardial cells.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Potassium Channel Blockers
• Block potassium ion channels in
myocardial cells
• Delay repolarization
• Prolong refractory period
• Limited use due to serious adverse effects
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Therapeutic Classification
– Antidysrhythmic, Class III
• Pharmacologic Classification
– Potassium channel blocker
• Pregnancy Category D
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Mechanism of Action
– Exact mechanism unknown
– Blocks potassium channels but also blocks
sodium ion channels and inhibits sympathetic
activity
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Mechanism of Action of
Amiodarone
Click here to view an animation on the mechanism of action of amiodarone.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
•
•
•
Indications
Atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias
Resistant Vtach
Recurrent fibrillation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Contraindications
Severe bradycardia
Cardiogenic shock
Sick sinus syndrome
Severe sinus node dysfunction
3rd degree AV block
Hypersensitivity to iodine
Lactation
COPD
Precautions
•
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
Electrolyte imbalances
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Drug Interactions
– Metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes
 Markedly inhibits metabolism of many drugs
– Enhances actions of anticoagulants
– Potentiate dysrhythmias with other
antidysrhythmic agents
– May increase phenytoin levels
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Adverse Effects
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Nausea
Vomiting
Anorexia
Fatigue
Dizziness
Hypotension
Visual disturbances
Rashes
Photosensitivity
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
• Serious Adverse
Effects
– Pneumonia-like
syndrome
– Prodysrhythmic action
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Nursing Responsibilities
– Monitor BP during IV infusion
– Assess for adverse effects
– Baseline lab tests
– Assess respiratory status
– Supervise ambulation
– Baseline ophthalmic exam
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Prototype Drug: Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Patient/Family Teaching
– Immediately report respiratory difficulty
– Do not take with grapefruit juice
– Check pulse daily
– Take oral drug consistently at same time of
day
– Wear dark glasses/eye exams
– Do not take with other drugs or supplements
– Notify if suspected pregnancy
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Similar Drugs to Amiodarone
• Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
• Ibutilide (Corvert)
• Sotalol (Betapace, betapace AF, Sorine)
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Calcium Channel Blockers:
Class IV
39.10 Calcium channel blockers are used to
treat atrial dysrhythmias.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Calcium Channel Blockers
• Limited number approved as
antidysrhythmics
– Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, others)
– Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others)
• Effects similar to beta-adrenergic
antagonists
• Safe and well-tolerated by most patients
• Monitor for bradycardia and hypotension
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Connection Checkpoint 39.3
Nifedipine (Procardia) is a prototype CCB
discussed in Chapter 33.
From what you learned in Chapter 33, why is
this drug (and other dihydropyridines) not
effective in treating dysrhythmias?
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Miscellaneous
Antidysrhythmics
39.11 Adenosine and digoxin used for
specific dysrhythmias.
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Adenosine (Adenocard,
Adenoscan)
• Naturally occurring nucleoside
• Activates potassium channels in SA and
AV nodes
• Terminates tachycardia
• Primary indication is PSVT
• 10 second half life so adverse effects are
self-limiting
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Primarily used for HF
• Can be prescribed for atrial flutter,
fibrillation, or PSVT
• Not effective against ventricular
dysrhythmias
• Patients must be carefully monitored for
toxicity, drug interactions, and adverse
effects
Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice
Adams • Koch
©2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.