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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cardiac effect of Calcium Channel Blockers?
What is the primary cardiac effect of Calcium Channel Blockers?
- Strengthen cardiac contractility
- Decrease blood pressure (correct)
- Increase heart rate
- Increase heart conductivity
Which arrhythmia is characterized by chaotic QRS depolarization with no discernible pattern?
Which arrhythmia is characterized by chaotic QRS depolarization with no discernible pattern?
- Ventricular Fibrillation (correct)
- Atrial Flutter
- Normal Sinus Rhythm
- Atrial Fibrillation
What is a potential treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia?
What is a potential treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia?
- Digoxin
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Lidocaine (correct)
- Adenosine
What vital sign should be checked before administering Calcium Channel Blockers?
What vital sign should be checked before administering Calcium Channel Blockers?
Which of the following arrhythmias is NOT considered lethal?
Which of the following arrhythmias is NOT considered lethal?
What is a common side effect of Calcium Channel Blockers?
What is a common side effect of Calcium Channel Blockers?
In what scenario should Calcium Channel Blockers be held prior to administration?
In what scenario should Calcium Channel Blockers be held prior to administration?
Which of the following describes Atrial Fibrillation?
Which of the following describes Atrial Fibrillation?
What defines a normal sinus rhythm?
What defines a normal sinus rhythm?
Which medication is indicated for treating asystole?
Which medication is indicated for treating asystole?
Which treatment is most commonly used for managing Pulseless V-Tach?
Which treatment is most commonly used for managing Pulseless V-Tach?
What is the primary drug used for treating Supraventricular Arrhythmias (SVT)?
What is the primary drug used for treating Supraventricular Arrhythmias (SVT)?
What immediate action should be taken for a patient in V-Fib?
What immediate action should be taken for a patient in V-Fib?
Which of the following is NOT a treatment for Asystole?
Which of the following is NOT a treatment for Asystole?
What common side effect is associated with the use of anticholinergics?
What common side effect is associated with the use of anticholinergics?
Which medication would be most appropriate for the acute treatment of PVCs?
Which medication would be most appropriate for the acute treatment of PVCs?
For ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach), which medication has been increasing in use since April 2019?
For ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach), which medication has been increasing in use since April 2019?
In the event of a patient experiencing a rapid heart rate with a pulse, which would be the most appropriate drug class to administer?
In the event of a patient experiencing a rapid heart rate with a pulse, which would be the most appropriate drug class to administer?
Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of V-Fib?
Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of V-Fib?
What is the recommended administration method for Adenosine when treating SVT?
What is the recommended administration method for Adenosine when treating SVT?
Study Notes
Calcium Channel Blockers
- Action: Reduce heart rate and blood pressure, relax blood vessels
- Negative Inotropic: Weakens the strength of the heartbeat
- Negative Chronotropic: Slows the rate of the heartbeat
- Negative Dromotropic: Blocks or slows down the conduction of electrical impulses through the heart.
- Treats: Hypertension, Angina, Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, Supraventricular tachycardia
- Side Effects: Headache, Hypotension, Bradycardia
- Examples: Verapamil, Cardizem, -dipine
Digoxin
- Unique because it has both positive and negative effects on the heart
- Positive Inotropic: Strengthens the heart's contractions
Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Terminology:
- P wave: Represents atrial depolarization.
- QRS complex: Represents ventricular depolarization.
- Important Rhythms for NCLEX:
- Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR): Regular rhythm with a normal P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib): Chaotic QRS depolarization, no pattern, lethal arrhythmia.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach): Wide, bizarre QRS complexes, potentially life-threatening arrhythmia.
- Asystole: Absence of QRS depolarization, lethal arrhythmia.
Atrial Arrhythmias
- Atrial Fibrillation: Chaotic P-wave depolarization, no discernible pattern.
- Atrial Flutter: Rapid P-wave depolarizations, saw-tooth pattern.
Treatments for Cardiac Arrhythmias
- V-Fib:
- Defibrillation (200 joules)
- V-Tach:
- Lidocaine
- Asystole:
- Epinephrine
- Atropine
- Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs):
- Lidocaine (If frequent or complex)
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT):
- Adenosine (Fast IV push, watch for asystole)
- Beta blockers
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Digoxin (Digitalis)
Lethal Arrhythmias:
- Asystole and V-Fib are lethal as they cause no cardiac output (pulse), leading to lack of brain perfusion, death within 8 minutes
- Pulseless V-Tach is treated the same as Asystole and V-Fib - treated immediately.
Anticholinergic and Cholinergic Effects
- Anticholinergic:
- Dry mouth, dry eyes, urinary retention, constipation, bronchodilation
- Cholinergic:
- Salivation, lacrimation, urination, diaphoresis/diarrhea, bronchospasm, GI upset, emesis
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Description
Test your knowledge on calcium channel blockers and digoxin, their effects on heart rate, and their use in treating cardiac arrhythmias. This quiz also covers essential terminology and rhythms relevant for NCLEX. Challenge yourself and see how well you know cardiac pharmacology.
