Question

Antiarrhythmic infusions to treat tachycardia with a pulse in AHA protocols includes Amiodarone IV . What is the dose for stable wide-QRS tachycardia?

a) 100 mg (1.5 mg/kg) over 5 minutes; avoid if prolonged QT
b) first dose 150 mg over 10 minutes; repeat as needed if VT recurs. Follow by maintenance infusion of 1 mg/min for first six hours
c) 20 to 50 mg/min until arrhythmia suppressed; hypotension ensues, QRS duration increases >50% or maximum dose of 17 mg/kg given.
d) 6 mg rapid IV push, followed by an infusion of 12 mg/min.

Answer 1

The correct dose of Amiodarone IV for treating stable wide-QRS tachycardia is an initial dose of 150 mg over 10 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion rate of 1 mg/min for the first six hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dose of Amiodarone IV for stable wide-QRS tachycardia according to the AHA protocols is: first dose 150 mg over 10 minutes; repeat as needed if VT recurs. This is followed by a maintenance infusion of 1 mg/min for the first six hours. This treatment approach is part of a broader strategy to manage arrhythmias, which may also involve other medications, medical procedures like pacemaker insertion, or even surgery. Medications like beta blockers or antiarrhythmic agents, which include options such as procainamide, are used to restore a normal heart rhythm but may have significant side effects if taken long-term. In more severe cases, treatments such as cardioversion or defibrillation may be required. These interventions are particularly critical for patients experiencing tachycardia, where the heart races at an abnormally high rate which can lead to discomfort, dizziness, or even syncope.