Question

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

Option 1: Atenolol
Option 2: Verapamil
Option 3: Furosemide
Option 4: Digoxin

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient to withhold Verapamil 48 hours prior to cardioversion in order to reduce the risk of complications during the procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the patient to withhold option 2: Verapamil 48 hours prior to cardioversion. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker, which is a negative inotropic agent that decreases the strength of contraction and stroke volume. Withholding this medication prior to cardioversion reduces the risk of complications during the procedure.