A patient is admitted to the acute care telemetry unit with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The physician orders dofetilide (Tikosyn). Before initiating this medication, the nurse will
a. hold anticoagulant medications.
b. remove ECG leads.
c. assess potassium level.
d. ensure QTc interval is more than 440 to 500 msec.
ANS: C
Hypokalemia must be corrected before initiation of dofetilide therapy. Before dofetilide (Tikosyn) is initiated on patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation must occur. Patients with atrial fibrillation must be admitted to a unit with continuous ECG monitoring available. The QTc interval must be assessed; if it is more than 440 to 500 msec, dofetilide is contraindicated.
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