A nurse is caring for a client with an arrhythmia. Which of the ...

[james]

A nurse is caring for a client with an arrhythmia. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to do for a client with a life-threatening arrhythmia who is receiving an adrenergic blocking drug intravenously?
 
  A) Perform continuous cardiac monitoring.
  B) Obtain pulse rate readings every 6 to 8 hours.
  C) Assess respiratory rate every hour.
  D) Obtain body temperature readings every 15 minutes.

Question 2

A client with cardiac arrhythmia is treated with a centrally acting antiadrenergic drug. The nurse would assess the client for which of the following as a possible adverse reaction?
 
  A) Lightheadedness
  B) Malaise
  C) Bradycardia
  D) Weakness

[katara]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
The patient with a life-threatening arrhythmia may receive an adrenergic blocking drug, such as propranolol, by the intravenous (IV) route. When these drugs are administered IV, cardiac monitoring is necessary. Patients not in a monitored unit are usually transferred to one as soon as possible. When these drugs are administered for a life-threatening arrhythmia, it is important to monitor the patient continually with cardiac, blood pressure, and respiratory rate monitoring frequently.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Feedback:
The nurse should monitor the client for malaise as a generalized reaction with antiadrenergic drugs that are centrally acting when administered to clients with cardiac arrhythmias. Lightheadedness, bradycardia, and weakness are the adverse reactions associated with peripherally acting antiadrenergic drugs.