Antiarrhythmic Medications and Clinical Interventions Flashcards

Which antiarrhythmic drug is classified as a Class III agent and is commonly used for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia?

Answer: Amiodarone

Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic that blocks potassium channels to prolong repolarization and is widely used for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Adenosine is the drug of choice for terminating which arrhythmia?

Answer: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)

Adenosine transiently blocks AV node conduction and is the first-line drug for terminating PSVT by interrupting re-entry circuits involving the AV node.

Which medication should be avoided in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome presenting with atrial fibrillation?

Answer: AV nodal blocking agents (e.g., adenosine, verapamil)

AV nodal blocking agents are contraindicated in WPW with AF because they can enhance conduction through the accessory pathway, potentially causing ventricular fibrillation.

Magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for:

Answer: Torsades de Pointes

IV magnesium sulfate is the first-line treatment for Torsades de Pointes because it stabilizes the cardiac membrane and shortens the QT interval.

Atropine is administered in cardiac emergencies primarily to treat:

Answer: Symptomatic bradycardia

Atropine blocks vagal (parasympathetic) tone to increase heart rate and is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia per ACLS guidelines.

Which Class I antiarrhythmic is commonly used for ventricular arrhythmias, especially in the acute setting of myocardial infarction?

Answer: Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a Class IB sodium channel blocker used for ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in the context of acute myocardial infarction.