The day had been busy as Jada prepared for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. There were so many arrangements to be made, and Jada felt overwhelmed. During the day she experienced heaviness in her chest, but she attributed it to the stress of the wedding and perhaps a touch of bronchitis. Nonetheless, she knew there was no time to stop and rest; there was too much to do. Later that afternoon, she realized that she had to take it easy. Then she experienced that strange sensation once again. As she sat in a chair, Jada suddenly felt dizzy with extreme weakness and difficulty breathing. Her family members report that she became pale and unexpectedly collapsed. Emergency personnel were called to the scene, and Jada was taken to the nearest hospital. In the emergency department, Jada’s physical examination revealed the following findings: weak, middle-aged Asian female; vital signs: blood pressure 102/68 mmHg, heart rate 116 beats/min, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, afebrile; weight 53 kg (116 lb). She has clear bilateral breath sounds and active bowel sounds heard in all four quadrants. Her ECG reveals atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 116 beats/min. She is admitted to the coronary care unit for further testing and observation.
1. Jada’s ECG shows atrial fibrillation. Trace the electrical conduction system through the heart. What part of the ECG complex would be most affected with this patient’s medical diagnosis?
2. While in the coronary care unit, Jada will receive amiodarone (Cordarone) IV infusion. She wants to know how long she will need to receive the IV medication and how it works. How would you respond to this patient’s questions?
3. The patient is being discharged on amiodarone 400 mg twice daily. What instructions should this patient receive? 4. List any drug–food interaction concerns you should discuss with Jada.
Already registered? Login
Not Account? Sign up
Enter your email address to reset your password
Back to Login? Click here