Author Question: The patient says to the nurse, My neighbor said my antidysrhythmic drug can actually cause me to ... (Read 149 times)

renzo156 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient says to the nurse, My neighbor said my antidysrhythmic drug can actually cause me to have irregular heartbeats. How can this be? What is the nurse's best answer?

1. Your medication blocks the flow of the electrolytes in your heart, and this can cause irregular beats.
2. It is better to discuss you medication concerns with a professional, not a lay person like your neighbor.
3. You must take two baby aspirins every other day to avoid the irregular heartbeats.
4. Your medication is not the problem; it is when you mix it with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that you develop irregular beats.

Question 2

The patient asks the nurse, My doctor said I need cardioversion for my dysrhythmia. Why can't I just take medication? What is the nurse's best response?

1. Antidysrhythmic medications have many side effects; cardioversion is considered safer.
2. Special diets are necessary with antidysrhythmic medications and they are hard to follow.
3. Antidysrhythmic medications don't really work very well for most dysrhythmias.
4. There is a high risk of seizures when you take antidysrhythmic medications.

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Most antidysrhythmic drugs act by interfering with myocardial action potentials, blocking the action of sodium, potassium, and calcium channels and causing some irregular beats. Mixing the medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medications might result in irregular beats, but this is not the best answer. Anticoagulant medication is sometimes indicated, but it does not require taking two doses of baby aspirin. Although it is best to discuss medications with a professional, this response does not answer the patient's question.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Antidysrhythmic medications can cause serious side effects and are normally reserved for patients with overt symptoms, or for patients whose condition cannot be controlled by other means, such as cardioversion. Medications are effective for dysrhythmias; however they have many side effects. There is no indication for a special diet when a patient is taking an antidysrhythmic drug. Antidysrhythmic drugs do not commonly cause seizures.