A client with unstable ventricular tachycardia is receiving amiodarone 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 is the nurse's priority intervention? a. Stop the infusion and flush the IV.
b. Slow the amiodarone 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 atrioventricular (AV) block. The correct action for the nurse to take at this time is to slow the infusion, because the client is asymptomatic and no evidence reveals AV block that might require pacing. Abruptly ceasing the medication could allow fatal dysrhythmias to occur. A precordial thump is not required at this time because the client still has a heart rate. A side-lying position will not increase the client's heart rate.
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