A patient with atrial fibrillation is taking verapamil (Calan). The patient has read about the drug on the Internet and wants to know why a drug that affects the rate of ventricular contraction is used to treat an abnormal atrial contraction
What will the nurse tell the patient?
a. "Drugs that treat ventricular dysrhythmias help to restore normal sinus rhythm."
b. "Atrial dysrhythmias can have life-threatening effects on ventricular function."
c. "Treating ventricular dysrhythmias helps prevent the likelihood of stroke."
d. "When ventricular contraction slows, atrial contraction is also slowed."
ANS: B
Dysrhythmic activity in the atria does not significantly reduce cardiac output but can be dangerous when dysrhythmic impulses cross the AV node, causing ventricular dysrhythmias, which can be life threatening. Treating ventricular dysrhythmia helps improve ventricular pumping. These drugs do not restore normal sinus rhythm. To prevent stroke, an anticoagulant, such as warfarin, is used. Slowing ventricular contraction does not affect the rate of atrial contraction. Restoring normal sinus rhythm requires cardioversion, short-term treatment with amiodarone or sotalol, or RF ablation of the dysrhythmia source.
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