Question

The nurse identifies ventricular tachycardia on the cardiac monitor. The patient has a pulse rate of 160 with a regular rhythm. The nurse should give priority to:

Administering atropine sulfate
Requesting a stat potassium level
Administering amiodarone
Defibrillating at 360 joules

Answer 1

Administering amiodarone is the priority.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, the nurse should give priority to administering amiodarone. Ventricular tachycardia is a serious cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to a decrease in cardiac output and potentially life-threatening complications. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that can help stabilize the heart rhythm and prevent further episodes of ventricular tachycardia. It is important for the nurse to act quickly to administer this medication and ensure the patient's safety.