Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly used for the rapid intravenous push in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia?

1. lidocaine (Xylocaine)

2. epinephrine (Adrenaclick)

3. adenosine (Adenocard)

4. procainamide

The correct answer is: adenosine (Adenocard)

Adenosine is the medication commonly used for rapid intravenous push in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to its specific action on the heart's conduction system. Adenosine works by temporarily interrupting the electrical conduction in the atrioventricular (AV) node, effectively slowing or stopping the rapid heart rhythm associated with SVT. This rapid intravenous administration allows for a quick response to terminate the abnormal rhythm, often resulting in immediate restoration of normal sinus rhythm. The choice of adenosine is supported by its efficacy and the need for a rapid response in acute settings. Its half-life is very short, which allows for a quick onset of action and minimizes the potential for prolonged effects on cardiac function. In cases of SVT, a rapid push of adenosine can lead to instant conversion to a normal heart rate, making it a critical agent in emergency care. Other medications listed may have uses in cardiac rhythm management, but they do not serve the same role or exhibit the same rapid action specific to SVT. For example, lidocaine is primarily used for ventricular arrhythmias, not for supraventricular tachycardia. Epinephrine is more relevant in cases of severe bradycard