Antiarrhythmic Medications and Clinical Interventions Flashcards

Synchronized cardioversion is indicated for which of the following rhythms?

Answer: Unstable supraventricular tachycardia with a pulse

Synchronized cardioversion delivers a shock timed to the R wave and is used for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse, avoiding accidental delivery during the T wave.

What is the primary purpose of the 'synchronized' mode during cardioversion?

Answer: To prevent shock delivery during the vulnerable T wave period

Synchronization ensures the shock is delivered on the R wave rather than the T wave, preventing the R-on-T phenomenon that could trigger ventricular fibrillation.

Beta-blockers used as antiarrhythmics belong to which Vaughan Williams class?

Answer: Class II

Beta-blockers are Class II antiarrhythmics that reduce heart rate and AV nodal conduction by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.

Digoxin toxicity can cause which ECG changes?

Answer: Scooped ST depression and bradyarrhythmias

Digoxin toxicity classically causes scooped or 'Salvador Dali mustache' ST depression, bradyarrhythmias, and various AV blocks.

Transcutaneous pacing is indicated as an emergency intervention for:

Answer: Symptomatic bradycardia refractory to atropine

Transcutaneous pacing provides temporary electrical stimulation of the heart and is used for symptomatic bradycardia when atropine is ineffective.

Which calcium channel blocker is primarily used to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation?

Answer: Diltiazem

Diltiazem (a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker) slows AV nodal conduction and is commonly used for rate control in atrial fibrillation.