Author Question: A client is prescribed an additional once-daily antidysrhythmic drug to control persistent atrial ... (Read 89 times)

joblessjake · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is prescribed an additional once-daily antidysrhythmic drug to control persistent atrial fibrillation. Which instructions should the nurse provide for this client?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Take your first dose of this new medication before you go to bed tonight.
2. Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours after taking the new medication.
3. Before you get out of bed in the morning, sit up on the side of the bed for a few minutes.
4. Plan to return to the clinic to have your electrolytes checked in 2 weeks.
5. Contact the clinic if you notice any loss of hair from your head.

Question 2

A client scheduled for a catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation says, I am not sure about this procedure. Can they just treat me with medicine? Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

1. Many people do take drugs for atrial fibrillation. Your case must be different.
2. Catheter ablation is more successful and has fewer long-term adverse effects than drug therapy.
3. Most of the medications used for atrial fibrillation have been taken off the market.
4. Atrial fibrillation is too dangerous to be treated with medications alone.

Brummell1998 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,3,4
Rationale 1: The addition of a second medication makes the client prone to hypotension. Taking the drug right before bedtime is a safety precaution.
Rationale 2: There is no reason to avoid oral intake for 2 hours after an antidysrhythmic medication.
Rationale 3: Orthostatic hypotension can be an adverse effect of antidysrhythmic medications, particularly when multiple drugs are taken. Sitting on the side of the bed before arising is a safety precaution.
Rationale 4: Electrolyte imbalance can occur secondary to drug therapy for dysrhythmia. Electrolyte levels should be monitored.
Rationale 5: Hair loss is not an expected adverse effect of antidysrhythmic medications.
Global Rationale: The addition of a second medication makes the client prone to hypotension. Taking the drug right before bedtime is a safety precaution. Orthostatic hypotension can be an adverse effect of antidysrhythmic medications, particularly when multiple drugs are taken. Sitting on the side of the bed before arising is a safety precaution. Electrolyte imbalance can occur secondary to drug therapy for dysrhythmia. Electrolyte levels should be monitored. There is no reason to avoid oral intake for 2 hours after an antidysrhythmic medication. Hair loss is not an expected adverse effect of antidysrhythmic medications.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The nurse has not answered the client's question and may have increased the client's confusion.
Rationale 2: Catheter ablation has been shown to be more successful in treating many dysrhythmias than is the prophylactic use of medications. The treatment is generally definitive and results in fewer adverse effects.
Rationale 3: Medications for the control of atrial fibrillation are still on the market.
Rationale 4: Atrial fibrillation does have serious consequences in some cases, but many clients are managed with medication therapy alone.
Global Rationale: Catheter ablation has been shown to be more successful in treating many dysrhythmias than is the prophylactic use of medications. The treatment is generally definitive and results in fewer adverse effects. The nurse has not answered the client's question and may have increased the client's confusion. Medications for the control of atrial fibrillation are still on the market. Atrial fibrillation does have serious consequences in some cases, but many clients are managed with medication therapy alone.