Dysrhythmias
Types of Dysrhythmias
Class 1 Dysrhythmias
Sodium channel blockers (ex: quinidine, lidocaine)
Class 2 Dysrhythmias
Beta-Blockers (ex: propranolol, metoprolol)
Class 3: Dysrhythmias
Potassium channel blockers (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol)
Class 4(IV): Dysrhythmias
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem)
Sodium Channel Blockers Mechanism of action
Block sodium channels, reducing the
rate of depolarization and
conduction velocity in the heart.
Nursing Considerations Sodium Channel Blockers
Monitor ECG for changes, assess for signs
of toxicity, and educate patients
about potential side effects
such as dizziness and nausea.
Class 2: Beta Blockers Mechanism of Action
Block beta-adrenergic receptors,
reducing heart rate and contractility.
Beta Blocker uses:
Used to manage hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias.
Beta Blocker Nursing Considerations
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate,
assess for signs of bradycardia, and educate patients about potential side effects such as fatigue and cold extremities.
Potassium Channel Blockers Mechanism of Action
Block potassium channels, prolonging
repolarization and the refractory
period in the heart.
Potassium Channel Blockers Nursing Considerations
Monitor ECG for changes, assess for signs
of toxicity, and educate patients
about potential side effects
such as dizziness and nausea.
Potassium Channel Blockers uses
Used to treat ventricular and atrial arrhythmias.
Calcium Channel Blockers mechanism of action
Prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to relaxation of blood vessels.
Calcium Channel Blockers uses
Effective in lowering blood pressure
and treating certain heart conditions.
Calcium Channel Blockers Nursing Considerations
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate, assess for signs of peripheral edema, and educate patients about potential side effects such as dizziness and constipation
Digoxin Mechanism of action
Increases the force of myocardial contraction (positive inotropic effect) and
slows the heart rate (negative chronotropic effect)
Digoxin Uses
Used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Digoxin Nursing Considerations
Monitor serum digoxin levels,
assess for signs of toxicity (nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances), and educate patients about potential
side effects.
Adenosine Mechanism of Action
Slows conduction through the
AV node, restoring normal sinus rhythm in
supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Adenosine uses
Used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
Adenosine Nursing Considerations
Monitor ECG during
administration, assess for signs of bradycardia or hypotension, and educate patients about potential side effects such as flushing and chest discomfort
Baseline Nursing Assessments for Dysrhythmias
-Vital Signs
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
-Patient History
- Physical Examination