Anti-arrhythmic meds

Question 1

How many classes of antidysrhythmic also called anti-arrhythmic drugs are there?

Answer 1

4

Question 2

Class 1 is known as what?

Answer 2

Sodium channel blockers

Question 3

Sodium channel blockers slow what?

Answer 3

Cardiac conduction velocity

Question 4

Sodium channel blockers are divided into three (3) groups 1A,1B & 1C True or False

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What is the Class 1A Sodium Channel blocker’s action?

Answer 5

Slows impulses in the atria, ventricles & His-Purkinje fibers

Question 6

Which conditions or therapeutic uses are known in Class 1A?

Answer 6

*** Long-term suppression of supraventricular tachycardia ( SVT), Ventricular tachycardia ( V-Tach) Atrial Flutter & Atrial fibrillation

Question 7

A good thing to remember! if a drug ends in pine it is most likely a Calcium Channel Blocker- can you name a few? there are a few exceptions like Verapamil

Answer 7

Amlodipine, ( brand name Norvasc) nicardipine,( brand name Cardene) felodipine ( brand name Plendil), nifedipine ( brand name Procardia

Question 8

Verapamil ( Isoptin), a Calcium Channel Blocker that decreases what?

Answer 8

Heart rate

Question 9

Since there are four(4) main classification groups of antidysrhythmics can you name them?

Answer 9

1. Sodium channel blockers 2. Beta-adrenergic blockers 3. Potassium channel blockers 4) Calcium channel blockers

Question 10

What is the main concern for antidysrhythmic medications?

Answer 10

Medication toxicity

Question 11

Class ll medications are Beta-adrenergic blockers ( known as beta blockers) what is the action?

Answer 11

To slow the heart rate in response to stress

Question 12

A tip to remember is that beta-blockers are ALL named with the suffix lol or olol so this is good to memorize- can you name a few?

Answer 12

1. Propranolol ( Brand name Inderal), Metoprolol tartrate ( Brand name Lopressor & Metoprolol ( Toprol XL, Atenolol ( Tenormin)

Question 13

What arrhythmias are beta-blockers used for?

Answer 13

Atrial Fibrillation, * A Flutter, Severe recurrent ventricular tachycardia

Question 14

What are the complications or adverse effects of a beta-blocker?

Answer 14

Hypotension, bradycardia, heart failure,

Question 15

Beta-blockers are contraindicated in persons with asthma why?

Answer 15

There is evidence of bronchospasm

Question 16

Potassium channel blockers- what is the action of this class?

Answer 16

Delays repolarization & Dilates coronary blood vessels

Question 17

What cardiac conditions are potassium channel blockers used?

Answer 17

Conversion of atrial fibrillation ( oral route), recurrent V-Tach * V-Fib,

Question 18

What is an adverse effect of a potassium channel blocker?

Answer 18

Dry cough, shortness of breath & chest pain

Question 19

Can you name a potassium channel blocker?

Answer 19

Amiodarone

Question 20

What nursing actions are important with potassium channel blockers?

Answer 20

Monitor B/P & ECG, Monitor for indications of heart failure-dyspnea, cough, chest pain, neck vein distension & crackles- also report a visual disturbance s

Question 21

Class IV is Calcium channel blockers- can you name one Rx?

Answer 21

Verapamil (Calan) Diltiazem (Cartia XL)

Question 22

What is the expected action of a Calcium Channel Blocker? ( think decrease)

Answer 22

Decrease the force of contractions & decreases heart rate

Question 23

When is Verapamil used? for what dysrhythmias?

Answer 23

A-Fib & A Flutter ( to slow the ventricular rate)

Question 24

What are the adverse effects of a Calcium Channel Blocker?

Answer 24

Bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, AV block, constipation & peripheral edema

Question 25

What are some contraindications for Calcium Channel Blockers?

Answer 25

Severe hypotension, severe heart failure, IV form is contraindicated in V-Tach & **** for patients taking beta blockers or digoxin ( can increase the chance for heart block) *** no grapefruit juice because it can reduce verapamil metabolism hence toxicity****

Question 26

What is the goal of antiarrhythmic medications?

Answer 26

Prevent abnormal electrical impulses or stop an abnormal impulse by blocking the membrane hence sodium, potassium & calcium channels

Question 27

True or false Beta-Blockers & Calcium Channel Blockers are the primary or first line of defense?

Answer 27

True