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: A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the medical conditions associated with each medication

In order to select the appropriate medication to treat PVCs, it is necessary to know the conditions each medication is used for. A. Amiodarone (Cordarone) - Used for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation B. Atropine sulfate (Atropine) - Used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and as an antidote for certain types of poisonings C. Epinephrine bitartrate (Epinephryl) - Used for severe allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, and severe asthma attacks D. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) - An anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots

Match the medication to the condition

Now that we know the purpose of each medication, we need to identify which one is indicated for the treatment of premature ventricular contractions. A. Amiodarone (Cordarone) - Treats ventricular arrhythmias, which includes PVCs B. Atropine sulfate (Atropine) - Treats bradycardia and poisonings, not PVCs C. Epinephrine bitartrate (Epinephryl) - Treats allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, and asthma attacks, not PVCs D. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) - Prevents blood clots, not used to treat PVCs

Select the appropriate medication

Based on the above information, the appropriate medication to treat premature ventricular contractions is: A. Amiodarone (Cordarone) - Used for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, which includes PVCs.