A client with unstable ventricular tachycardia is receiving amiodarone hydrochloride by intravenous infusion. The nurse notes that the client's heart rate has decreased from 68 to 50 beats/min. The client is asymptomatic
What would be the nurse's best action? A. Stop the infusion.
B. Slow the infusion rate.
C. Administer a precordial thump.
D. Place the client in a side-lying position.
B
IV administration of amiodarone may cause bradycardia and AV block. The correct action for the nurse to take at this time is to slow the infusion, because the client is asymptomatic and there is no evidence of AV block that may require pacing. Abruptly ceasing the medication may allow fatal dysrhythmias to occur.
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