Question

A nurse is preparing a client who has supraventricular tachycardia for elective cardioversion. Which of the following prescribed medications should the nurse instruct the client to withhold for 48 hr prior to cardioversion?

A) Furosemide
B) Metoprolol
C) Digoxin
D) Warfarin

Answer 1

For elective cardioversion in a patient with supraventricular tachycardia, digoxin should be withheld for 48 hours prior to the procedure to avoid the risk of exacerbating arrhythmias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication that should be withheld for 48 hours prior to elective cardioversion in a client with supraventricular tachycardia is digoxin (option C). Digoxin is known for its effect on the heart as a negative inotropic agent which in high levels can predispose the patient to arrhythmias. Since elective cardioversion involves delivering a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm, digoxin's level needs to be carefully managed to avoid exacerbating arrhythmias.

Beta blockers like metoprolol and anticoagulants like warfarin are usually continued to avoid rebound effects and to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation. Furosemide, being a diuretic, does not have a direct effect on heart rhythm or cardioversion efficiency but is usually continued to control fluid status.