Question

The client is admitted to the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident. An ECG reveals frequent premature ventricular contractions. Which medication is often used to treat premature ventricular contractions? A. Amiodarone (Cordarone) B. Atropine sulfate (Atropine) C. Epinephrine bitartrate (Epinephryl) D. Enoxaparin (Lovenox)

Short answer

Answer: Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Step-by-step solution

Understand premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that begin in one of the heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). These extra beats disrupt the regular heart rhythm, sometimes causing a sensation of a skipped beat or a fluttering in the chest.

Examine the medications

To determine which medication is often used to treat PVCs, let's briefly examine the available options: A. Amiodarone (Cordarone) - This is an antiarrhythmic medication that helps to restore normal heart rhythm by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart. B. Atropine sulfate (Atropine) - This is a medication primarily used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) by increasing heart rate. C. Epinephrine bitartrate (Epinephryl) - This is a drug mainly used to treat severe allergic reactions and to restart the heart during cardiac arrest. D. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) - This is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that helps to prevent blood clots from forming during certain medical conditions.

Select the correct medication

Based on the information provided, the correct medication for treating premature ventricular contractions is A. Amiodarone (Cordarone), as it is an antiarrhythmic medication specifically designed to help restore normal heart rhythm and block abnormal electrical signals in the heart. The other medications either have different primary uses or are not directly aimed at treating PVCs.