Page 1789 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

c. Nausea, vomiting
d. Amiodarone hydrochloride may cause
pulmonary fibrosis, photosensitivity,
bluish skin discoloration, corneal
deposits, peripheral neuropathy,
tremor, poor coordination, abnormal
gait, and hypothyroidism.
e. The electrocardiogram should be
monitored for clients receiving
amiodarone or dofetilide, because they
may prolong the QT interval,
potentially leading to torsades de
pointes.
H. Class IV antidysrhythmics
1. Verapamil
2. Diltiazem

3. Side and adverse effects: Class IV

antidysrhythmics
a. Dizziness
b. Hypotension
c. Bradycardia
d. Edema
e. Constipation
I. Other antidysrhythmics
1. Adenosine
2. Digoxin

J. Interventions for antidysrhythmics

1. Monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, and BP.
2. Monitor electrocardiogram.
3. Provide continuous cardiac monitoring.
4. Maintain therapeutic serum medication levels.
5. Before administering lidocaine, always check the vial
label to prevent administering a form that contains
epinephrine or preservatives, because these solutions
are used for local anesthesia only.
6. Do not administer antidysrhythmics with food,
because food may affect absorption.
7. Mexiletine may be administered with food or antacids
to reduce gastrointestinal distress.
8. Always administer IV antidysrhythmics via an
infusion pump.
9. Monitor for signs of fluid retention such as weight
gain, peripheral edema, or shortness of breath.
10. Advise the client to limit fluid and salt intake to
minimize fluid retention.

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