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 A
Explanation
Choice A: Metformin
Reason: Metformin is known to interact with contrast material, particularly iodinated contrast media, and can increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). This interaction can lead to a condition known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) or contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can lead to its accumulation, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication. Therefore, it is generally recommended to withhold metformin before and after the administration of contrast media until renal function is confirmed to be normal.

Choice B: Carvedilol
Reason: Carvedilol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It does not have a known interaction with contrast media that would increase the risk of acute kidney injury. Carvedilol primarily affects the cardiovascular system and does not significantly impact renal function or interact with contrast agents.
Choice C: Nitroglycerin
Reason: Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina and other heart conditions by dilating blood vessels. It does not interact with contrast media in a way that would increase the risk of acute kidney injury. Nitroglycerin’s primary effects are on the cardiovascular system, and it does not have nephrotoxic properties.
Choice D: Atorvastatin
Reason: Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels. While it can have effects on liver enzymes and muscle tissue, it does not interact with contrast media to increase the risk of acute kidney injury. Atorvastatin is metabolized by the liver and does not significantly impact renal function.
Correct Answer is ["31"]
Explanation
Let’s calculate the IV infusion rate step by step.
Step 1: Determine the total volume to be infused.
The total volume ordered is 1,000 mL.
Step 2: Determine the total time for the infusion.
The total time is 8 hours.
Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in mL per hour.
Total volume (1,000 mL) ÷ Total time (8 hours) = 125 mL per hour.
Result: 125
Step 4: Determine the drop factor.
The IV tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter.
Step 5: Calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute.
Infusion rate (125 mL per hour) × Drop factor (15 drops per mL) = 1,875 drops per hour.
Result: 1,875
Step 6: Convert the infusion rate to drops per minute.
Total drops per hour (1,875 drops) ÷ 60 minutes = 31.25 drops per minute.
Result: 31.25
Step 7: Round the result to the nearest whole number if necessary.
31.25 rounded to the nearest whole number is 31.
The nurse should run the IV infusion at a rate of 31 drops per minute.
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