Which action by a new registered nurse (RN) who is orienting to the progressive care unit indicates a good understanding of the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias?
a. Injects IV adenosine (Adenocard) over 2 seconds to a patient with supraventricular tachycardia
b. Obtains the defibrillator and quickly brings it to the bedside of a patient whose monitor shows asystole
c. Turns the synchronizer switch to the "on" position before defibrillating a patient with ventricular fibrillation
d. Gives the prescribed dose of diltiazem (Cardizem) to a patient with new-onset type II second degree AV block
ANS: A
Adenosine must be given over 1 to 2 seconds to be effective. The other actions indicate a need for more education about treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias. The RN should hold the diltiazem until talking to the health care provider. The treatment for asystole is immediate CPR. The synchronizer switch should be "off" when defibrillating.
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