Final answer:
Adenosine is contraindicated in patients with asthma due to the risk of bronchospasm. While its use in pregnant women isn't completely contraindicated, the benefits and risks should be carefully considered. Adenosine is often indicated for patients with certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), including those with a narrow QRS complex and regular rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adenosine is a medication used to treat certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), including those with a narrow QRS complex and regular rhythm. However, there are specific contraindications for its use. One significant group that should not receive adenosine are patients with asthma. The reason for this caution is that adenosine can precipitate bronchospasm, which could exacerbate asthma symptoms. While adenosine can be safely given in many cases of SVT, including those with narrow QRS complexes, it's important to assess the full clinical picture before administration.
For pregnant women, adenosine can be considered if necessary. However, it's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits, as there is limited data on its safety during pregnancy. Meanwhile, patients with SVT are often the target population for this treatment, assuming there are no other contraindications.
Patient cases with a narrow QRS complex and regular rhythm are indicative of a type of SVT that may respond well to adenosine, which acts to temporarily block the AV node and can help reset the heart's rhythm.