Final answer:
The most definitive treatments for symptomatic third-degree heart block are the permanent pacemaker and temporary pacing options such as transcutaneous or transvenous pacemakers, while atropine and amiodarone IV are less effective for this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment for a patient with third-degree heart block (complete heart block) and who is symptomatic includes a few different options. Some of the primary treatments are:
- Transcutaneous pacemaker: A device that provides electrical stimulation to the heart through the skin, used as a temporary measure.
- Atropine IV: A medication that can increase heart rate but is generally not effective in third-degree heart block.
- Temporary transvenous pacemaker: A temporary pacemaker inserted through a vein into the heart in situations where urgent pacing is needed.
- Permanent pacemaker: This device is implanted to provide long-term pacing capability when there is a chronic heart block.
- Amiodarone IV: An antiarrhythmic medication that may not be the first line of treatment for third-degree heart block but can be used for various cardiac dysrhythmias.
However, for a third-degree heart block, the most definitive treatments are the permanent pacemaker and potentially temporary pacing options like the transcutaneous or transvenous pacemaker, if immediate intervention is required while awaiting permanent pacemaker placement.