Question

A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed antiarrhythmic agent to a client. The nurse would evaluate which aspect to determine the drug's effectiveness?

Answer 1

A nurse evaluates the effectiveness of an antiarrhythmic agent by monitoring the heart's electrical activity, typically using ECG/EKG, to check for a normalization of heart rhythm and heart rate without any signs of bradycardia, while also observing for potential side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is preparing to administer an antiarrhythmic agent, the effectiveness of the drug should be evaluated by monitoring the electrical activity of the patient's heart. Antiarrhythmic agents are used to correct abnormal heart rhythms, commonly known as arrhythmias. The expected outcome would be stabilization of heart rhythm to normal or expected patterns, reduction of arrhythmic episodes, and achieving a heart rate within a normal range without signs of bradycardia. The nurse may review the patient's heart rate and rhythm, using tools such as an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), to determine if the electrical activity of the heart has returned to a normal pattern.

In addition, the nurse should closely observe for potential side effects, such as bradycardia, which can occur with an overprescription of these drugs. It's important to monitor plasma drug concentrations and patient factors, such as liver and kidney function, as these can influence drug metabolism and elimination, potentially leading to toxicity.