Cardiac emergency

Question 1

Atropine

Answer 1

enhances Sinus node automaticity and av conduction

used for patients with symptomatic bradycardia and asystole

can cause ventricular dysrhythmias, tachycardia and exacerbation of MI

Question 2

Epinephrine

Answer 2

increases HR, BP, coranary and cerebral blood flow and myocardial electrical activity

used with cardiac arrest from VF, pulseless VT, asystole, pulseless electrical activity

will cause sloughing of skin and necrosis if infiltrated.

Question 3

Lidocaine

Answer 3

surpress ventricular arrhythmias

used for ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation

IV push or infusion

may cause neuro changes, myocardial and circulatory depression

Question 4

Norephinephrine (levophed)

Answer 4

positive inotropic and vasopressor effects

used for significant hypotension and septic/neurogenic shock

may cause severe vasoconstriction, extravasation, arrhythmias, increased myocardial 02 requirements

Question 5

Sodium bicarbonate

Answer 5

used to treat severe acidosis

used for hyperkalemia, tricyclic or phenobarbital overdose, preexisting metabolic acidosis

negative inotropic effect, hypernatremia, and hperosmolality can occur