53. During cardiac resuscitation for ventricular fibrillation, which drug would a nurse most likely prepare first?
53. During cardiac resuscitation for ventricular fibrillation, which drug would a nurse most likely prepare first?
Test-Taking Tip
Know expected outcomes of drug classifications.
Content Area: Adult Health, Cardiac; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Expected Effects/Outcomes
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Answer 1 is incorrect because atropine is used to treat bradycardia. Answer 2 is correct because the first-line drug for ventricular fibrillation according to advanced cardiac life support protocol is epinephrine, a sympathomimetic. Answer 3 is incorrect because antidysrhythmics such as amiodarone are given after vasopressors (epinephrine) have been given and may have not worked. Answer 4 is incorrect because lidocaine is not the first-line drug; it is used if ventricular fibrillation is still present after defibrillation.
