Question

Make a chart (that could be used for patient teaching) of each dysrhythmia by class and include those drugs commonly administered in their particular acute care setting. Include an “other” column for drugs that are not included in the Vaughn-Williams classification. Side effects of the medications should be included in the chart. (Refer to chapter 34).

Dysrhythmia
Drug Class
Drug of Choice for Treatment (Example)
Comments
Ex: Sinus Tachycardia
Class II: Beta Blockers
Metorprolol, Propranolol
monitor blood pressure; treat underlying conditions

Answer 1

Dysrhythmia - Tachycardias	Drugs used	side effects	other drugs
Sinus tachycardia	Beta blockerslike metaprolol and proponolol	oedema, bradycardia, trouble sleeping, weight gain,nausea and vomiting
Atrial flutter	beta blockers - esmolol Calcium chanel blockers - verapamil	Oedema, trouble sleeping Weight gain,nausea, vomiting Hypotension, myocardial depression
Atrial fibrillation	beta blockers - esmolol Calcium channel blockers - verapamil	Oedema, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, bradycardia Hypotension,myocardial depression
Av- block	-	-	Atropine sympathomimetics
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia	adenosine Beta blockers like esmolol Calcium channel blockers like verapamil,diltiazem	Hypotension, myocardial depression	Adenosine
Ventricular extra systoles	Sodium channel blockers (IB) lidocaine IA) Procainamide Potassium channel blockers like amiodarone	Drowsiness,nausea,paraesthesia, disorientation,blurred vision Weakness, hypersensitivity reactions,flushing ,SLE, hypotension Hypotension, bradycardia, photosensitivity ,skin pigmentation, pulmonary fibrosis, peripheral neuropathy
Ventricular Tachycardia	Sodium channel blockers ,class I B lidocaine Class IA procainamide	Blurred vision, disorientation, paraesthesia,nausea, drowsiness Cns :weakness, confusion, hallucinations SLE, hypotension ,hypersensitivity reactions
Ventricular fibrillation	sodium channel blockers ,class IB lidocaine	Drowsiness, paraesthesia,nausea, blurred vision, disorientation
Torsades de pointes	-		Isoprenaline Magnesium