Chapter 25: Antidysrhythmic Drugs

Chapter 25: Antidysrhythmic Drugs

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is reviewing the classes of antidysrhythmic drugs. Amiodarone (Cordarone) is classified on the Vaughan Williams classification as a class III drug, which means it works by which mechanism of action?

a.	Blocking slow calcium channels
b.	Prolonging action potential duration
c.	Blocking sodium channels and affecting phase 0
d.	Decreasing spontaneous depolarization and affecting phase 4

 

 

ANS:  B

Vaughan Williams class III drugs (amiodarone, dronedarone, sotalol, ibutilide, and dofetilide) increase the action potential duration by prolonging repolarization in phase 3. The other answers are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 396

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A patient is taking procainamide (Pronestyl) for a cardiac dysrhythmia. The nurse will monitor the patient for which possible adverse effect?

a.	Bradycardia
b.	Shortened QT interval
c.	Dyspnea
d.	Diarrhea

 

 

ANS:  D

Diarrhea is a potential adverse effect of procainamide therapy. Prolonged QT interval on the ECG is also possible. The other options are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 398

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient receiving antidysrhythmics?

a.	Risk for infection
b.	Deficient knowledge
c.	Deficient fluid volume
d.	Urinary retention

 

 

ANS:  B

Deficient knowledge related to lack of experience with medication therapy is a potential nursing diagnosis for a patient receiving antidysrhythmics. The other options are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 406

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Diagnosis

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. A patient will be discharged on quinidine sulfate (Quinidex) extended-release tablets for the treatment of ventricular ectopy. The nurse will include which information in the teaching plan?

a.	The medication should be stopped once the cardiac symptoms subside.
b.	Signs of cinchonism, such as tinnitus, loss of hearing, or slight blurring of vision, may occur.
c.	It is important to use sunscreen products when outside because of increased photosensitivity.
d.	If any tablet or capsule is visible in the stool, contact the prescriber immediately.

 

 

ANS:  B

Quinidine, a cinchona alkaloid, may cause the symptoms of cinchonism, including tinnitus, loss of hearing, slight blurring of vision, and gastrointestinal upset. The medication will need to be continued even after symptoms subside, or the symptoms may return. Tablets or capsules that are visible in the stool are actually the wax matrices that contained the drug; the medication is extracted while in the intestines. Photosensitivity occurs with class III drugs, not with quinidine (class Ia).

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 401

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies