Question

The nurse is planning care for a pediatric client with a new prescription for adenosine to treat symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Monitor for ventricular dysrhythmias

Monitor for shortness of breath

Monitor for hypertension

Monitor for nausea.

Answer 1

When administering adenosine for SVT, the nurse should include the action of monitoring for ventricular dysrhythmias in the plan of care due to the potential of adenosine to induce new arrhythmias.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a pediatric client prescribed adenosine for the treatment of symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), the nurse should monitor for ventricular dysrhythmias. Supraventricular tachycardia can cause rapid heartbeats that originate from the atria or AV node. Adenosine works by temporarily slowing down the heart's electrical conduction system, interrupting the re-entrant pathways, and can restore a normal heart rhythm. However, this can lead to potential side effects including the development of new ventricular dysrhythmias, which are potentially more dangerous. Therefore, the nurse must be vigilant in monitoring the heart rhythm following adenosine administration to quickly identify any adverse reactions.