A nurse is preparing to administer IV adenosine to a client. Which of the following effects should the nurse anticipate?
Loss of consciousness
Conversion of atrial fibrillation
Increased heartrate
A period of asystole
The Correct Answer is D
A. Loss of consciousness: Adenosine can cause transient lightheadedness or dizziness, but complete loss of consciousness is not an expected effect during administration. Any syncope would be brief and uncommon.
B. Conversion of atrial fibrillation: Adenosine is effective for terminating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) but does not convert atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Its action is specific to AV node–dependent reentrant tachycardias.
C. Increased heart rate: Adenosine typically slows conduction through the AV node and may transiently slow the heart rate. An increase in heart rate is not an expected pharmacologic effect.
D. A period of asystole: Adenosine briefly blocks AV nodal conduction, which can result in a transient period of asystole lasting a few seconds. This effect is anticipated and resolves quickly, restoring normal sinus rhythm in PSVT.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypomagnesemia: Low magnesium levels are not an indication to stop a potassium infusion, although magnesium and potassium levels are related. Correction of magnesium may be necessary, but hypomagnesemia alone does not warrant discontinuation.
B. Neutropenia: A low white blood cell count is not directly related to potassium administration and does not require stopping the infusion.
C. Coughing: Respiratory symptoms like coughing are not a recognized complication of potassium chloride infusion and do not indicate the need to discontinue therapy.
D. Hyperkalemia: Elevated potassium levels can be life-threatening due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. If laboratory results or clinical signs indicate hyperkalemia, the potassium infusion should be immediately discontinued and appropriate interventions initiated.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Seizures: Seizures are not an indication for potassium chloride administration. While severe electrolyte imbalances can contribute to seizures, potassium replacement is specifically indicated for low potassium levels rather than seizure management.
B. Kidney transplant: Kidney transplant patients may require careful electrolyte monitoring, but potassium chloride is not automatically indicated unless hypokalemia is present. Administration is based on lab values, not transplant status alone.
C. Arrhythmia: Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias due to altered myocardial excitability. Potassium chloride is administered to correct low potassium levels and help prevent or treat arrhythmias.
D. Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves and is treated with antibiotics. Potassium chloride does not play a role in treating bacterial infections or inflammation of the heart.
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