Author Question: Adenosine (Adenocard) is an antidysrhythmic agent given primarily to a. convert supraventricular ... (Read 83 times)

elizabeth18 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Adenosine (Adenocard) is an antidysrhythmic agent given primarily to

a. convert supraventricular tachycardias.
b. act as a second-line drug for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
c. treat AV blocks.
d. coarsen ventricular fibrillation so that defibrillation is effective.

Question 2

The major key to the clinical significance of atrial flutter is the

a. atrial rate.
b. ventricular response rate.
c. PR interval.
d. QRS duration.

joewallace · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Adenosine occurs endogenously in the body as a building block of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Given in intravenous boluses, adenosine slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, causing transient AV block. It is used clinically to convert supraventricular tachycardias and to facilitate the differential diagnosis of rapid dysrhythmias.

Answer to Question 2

B
The major factor underlying atrial flutter symptoms is the ventricular response rate. If the atrial rate is 300 and the atrioventricular (AV) conduction ratio is 4:1, the ventricular response rate is 75 beats/min and should be well tolerated. If, on the other hand, the atrial rate is 300 beats/min but the AV conduction ratio is 2:1, the corresponding ventricular rate of 150 beats/min may cause angina, acute heart failure, or other signs of cardiac decompensation.