The nurse administers amiodarone to a client with ventricular tachycardia. Which monitoring by the nurse is necessary with this drug? (Select all that apply)
QT interval
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Heart rhythm
Urine output
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring the QT interval is crucial when administering amiodarone because this drug can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially life-threatening type of ventricular tachycardia. Regular monitoring helps in early detection and management of this adverse effect, ensuring patient safety.
Title: Choice B Reason:
Heart rate monitoring is essential as amiodarone can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Continuous monitoring allows the nurse to detect any significant changes in heart rate and take appropriate actions, such as adjusting the medication dosage or providing interventions to manage bradycardia.
Title: Choice C Reason:
Respiratory rate monitoring is necessary because amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). By keeping track of the respiratory rate, the nurse can identify early signs of respiratory complications and intervene promptly
Title: Choice D Reason:
Heart rhythm monitoring is vital since amiodarone is used to treat arrhythmias. Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring helps in assessing the effectiveness of the drug in controlling arrhythmias and detecting any new or worsening arrhythmias that may require immediate attention.
Title: Choice E Reason:
Monitoring urine output is important because amiodarone can affect renal function, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions. Keeping track of urine output helps in assessing renal function and ensuring that the drug is not causing nephrotoxicity
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["31"]
Explanation
Step 1: Calculate the total infusion time in minutes.
8 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes
Result at each step = 480 minutes
Step 2: Calculate the total number of drops to be infused.
1,000 mL × 15 drops/mL = 15,000 drops
Result at each step = 15,000 drops
Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute.
15,000 drops ÷ 480 minutes = 31.25 drops/minute
Result at each step = 31.25 drops/minute
Step 4: Round to the nearest whole number if necessary.
31.25 drops/minute rounds to 31 drops/minute
Result at each step = 31 drops/minute
Therefore, the nurse should run the IV infusion at a rate of 31 drops per minute.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: No change to the heparin rate is not appropriate in this scenario. The normal range for PTT is generally between 25 to 35 seconds. However, for a client on heparin therapy, the target PTT is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range, which would be approximately 60 to 80 seconds. Since the client’s PTT is only 25 seconds, it indicates that the blood is clotting too quickly, and the heparin dose is insufficient.
Choice B reason: Decreasing the heparin rate would further reduce the anticoagulant effect, which is not advisable given the current PTT of 25 seconds. Lowering the heparin rate could increase the risk of thrombus formation and worsen the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) condition.
Choice C reason: Stopping heparin and starting warfarin is not an immediate solution. Warfarin takes several days to achieve its full anticoagulant effect, and during this transition period, the client would be at risk of clot formation. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation, which is crucial in the acute management of DVT.
Choice D reason: Increasing the heparin rate is the correct action. The current PTT of 25 seconds is below the therapeutic range for a client on heparin therapy. Increasing the heparin rate will help achieve the desired anticoagulant effect, prolonging the PTT to the target range of 60 to 80 seconds.
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