Final answer:
The initial IV dose of amiodarone for a patient with refractory ventricular fibrillation is 300 mg. This antiarrhythmic drug aids in restoring normal heart rhythm and is administered during critical emergencies, such as 'code blue' scenarios in hospitals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended first intravenous (IV) dose of amiodarone for a patient with refractory ventricular fibrillation is 300 mg.Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid and erratic heartbeats, which prevent proper blood pumping. The first line of treatment for such an emergency is immediate defibrillation, typically using an external automated defibrillator (EAD). If defibrillation does not restore a normal heart rhythm, medications such as amiodarone may be administered.
Amiodarone works by restoring regular heart rhythm through its antiarrhythmic properties. In a hospital setting, during a 'code blue' emergency, the initial bolus dose of 300 mg can be followed by one or more additional doses of 150 mg if needed. The doses are generally delivered through IV to achieve a rapid therapeutic effect.