Chapter 23: Antiarrhythmic Agents

Chapter 23: Antiarrhythmic Agents

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is diagnosed in a patient who has valvular disease, and the cardiologist has prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The patient is scheduled for electrical cardioversion in 3 weeks. The patient asks the primary care nurse practitioner (NP) why the procedure is necessary. The NP should tell the patient:

ANS:  A

Persistent AF lasts longer than 7 days and episodes fail to terminate on their own, but episodes can be terminated by electrical cardioversion after therapeutic warfarin therapy for 3 weeks. Warfarin does not alter AF. b-Blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin are sometimes given to alter the rate. Verapamil is not an alternative to cardioversion for patients with persistent AF.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   283

2. A patient undergoes a routine electrocardiogram (ECG), which reveals occasional premature ventricular contractions that are present when the patient is resting and disappear with exercise. The patient has no previous history of cardiovascular disease, and the cardiovascular examination is normal. The primary care NP should:

ANS:  B

The most important factor in determining whether to treat premature ventricular contractions is the presence of underlying heart disease, such as myocardial ischemia, previous myocardial infarction, cardiac scarring or hypertrophy, or left ventricular dysfunction. Because of the risks associated with antiarrhythmic therapy, patients should not be treated unless clear indications are present. Premature ventricular contractions are not treated if the patient is asymptomatic, if the patient has a normal heart, if the premature ventricular contractions are simple, and if they disappear with exercise. Amiodarone is not used to treat acute premature ventricular contractions but is used for long-term prophylaxis.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   283

3. The primary care NP sees a new patient for a routine physical examination. When auscultating the heart, the NP notes a heart rate of 78 beats per minute with occasional extra beats followed by a pause. History reveals no past cardiovascular disease, but the patient reports occasional syncope and shortness of breath. The NP should:

ANS:  A

Premature ventricular contractions are premature ventricular beats with a compensatory pause. This patient has no prior history, but does have syncope and shortness of breath. The NP should order an ECG and refer the patient to a cardiologist for further evaluation. If there were no other symptoms, the NP could order stress testing. Medications are not indicated without further testing and without consultation with a cardiologist.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   284