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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

Expert verified
Answer: A. Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Step by step solution

01

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
02

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
03

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.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

ECG Interpretation
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool in medicine. It provides a visual representation of the electrical activity of the heart. These signals help identify abnormalities like irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. Reading an ECG involves understanding the PQRST waveforms, each representing a phase of heartbeats. Knowing the norms of these waveforms helps detect discrepancies. An ECG can reveal the presence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), which are extra heartbeats originating in the ventricles. These premature beats disrupt the regular heart rhythm, causing discomfort or concern.
Premature Ventricular Contractions
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that occur in the ventricles of the heart. They disrupt the normal heart rhythm, leading to a feeling of skipped beats or palpitations. PVCs are common and often not serious; however, frequent PVCs may lead to further complications. Some symptoms associated with PVCs include:
  • Palpitations or fluttering in the chest
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
For multiple PVCs or underlying heart conditions, medical assessment and treatment might be necessary.
Medication for Arrhythmias
Treatment for arrhythmias depends on their nature and severity. In the case of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), medications like amiodarone (Cordarone) are often used. Amiodarone works by affecting the rhythm and electrical impulses in the heart, helping to restore normal heart rhythm and control irregular beats. It is particularly utilized for life-threatening arrhythmias and maintaining heart function. Other medications that might be used for different types of arrhythmias include:
  • Beta-blockers: These reduce heart rate and help control arrhythmias.
  • Calcium channel blockers: They relax the heart and help maintain a regular rhythm.
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs: Directly impact heart rhythm and electric impulses.
Medication choice often depends on the specific heart abnormality and patient condition.
Pharmacology Study
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. In the context of arrhythmias, it involves understanding how various drugs can influence heart rhythm. Key areas in pharmacology study related to arrhythmias include:
  • Mechanism of Action: Understanding how drugs like amiodarone work to treat arrhythmias by modifying electrical signals in the heart.
  • Side Effects: Awareness of potential adverse effects from antiarrhythmic medications is critical for patient safety.
  • Drug Interactions: Some medications can positively or negatively affect others, necessitating careful planning in treatment regimens.
Studying pharmacology helps medical professionals prescribe appropriate medication regimens for conditions like PVCs and other arrhythmias.
Emergency Nursing
Emergency nursing involves caring for patients who require immediate medical attention. It is a critical role in healthcare settings such as emergency rooms. In situations where arrhythmias are present, like with PVCs, nurses play a vital role in:
  • Rapid assessment and monitoring: Keeping track of ECG readings to quickly identify arrhythmias.
  • Administering medications: Delivering appropriate drugs such as amiodarone to stabilize the patient’s cardiac rhythm.
  • Patient education: Explaining treatment plans and medication purposes to patients and families.
Emergency nurses must remain calm and efficient, ensuring quick, effective care that can greatly influence patient outcomes.

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