A patient with atrial flutter is admitted to the unit and remains ...

[HudsonKB16]

A patient with atrial flutter is admitted to the unit and remains in atrial flutter for 24 hours. Which drug does the nurse anticipate will be given to attempt conversion to sinus rhythm?
 
  a. Ibutilide (Covert)
  b. Warfarin (Coumadin)
  c. Verapamil (Calan)
  d. Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been taking amiodarone (Cordarone) for several months. The patient begins to exhibit dyspnea and coughing and complains of chest pain. The nurse is correct to suspect
 
  a. cardiovascular toxicity.
  b. pulmonary toxicity.
  c. heart failure.
  d. an impending myocardial infarction.

[mcarey591]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Ibutilide (Covert) is the drug of choice for pharmacologic conversion from atrial flutter to sinus rhythm.
If the patient stayed in atrial flutter, warfarin would be instituted to reduce the risk of stroke.
Verapamil and diltiazem might be given to control the ventricular rate if the patient remained in atrial flutter.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Lung damage is the most serious adverse effect of amiodarone (Cordarone).
Cardiovascular toxicity is evidenced by a paradoxical increase in dysrhythmic activity.
The patient's symptoms (dyspnea, cough, chest pain) are similar to those of heart failure and pneumonia; however, these symptoms are associated with the prolongation of amiodarone in the system.
No evidence indicates an impending MI.