What is the first-line therapy for a patient with bradyarrhythmia and hemodynamic compromise?

Prepare for the Red Cross Advanced Life Support Test. Dive into comprehensive multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Master the skills you need to succeed and ace your exam with confidence!

Atropine is the first-line therapy for a patient experiencing bradyarrhythmia accompanied by hemodynamic instability. This medication works by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate. In cases of bradyarrhythmia, where the heart beats too slowly and blood circulation is compromised, atropine helps restore a more normal rhythm by improving the rate at which the heart beats.

In scenarios where the patient exhibits symptoms of hemodynamic compromise—such as low blood pressure, altered mental status, or signs of shock—prompt intervention is crucial to stabilize their condition. Atropine can rapidly achieve this in situations like severe bradycardia, making it a preferred initial treatment.

Other medications listed, such as adenosine, digitalis, and amiodarone, are typically used for different types of arrhythmias or are not first-line treatments in this specific context. Adenosine is primarily utilized for certain supraventricular tachycardias, digitalis can affect the heart rate and rhythm but is not an acute rescue agent for bradycardia, and amiodarone is reserved for more complex arrhythmias or when other medications fail to work. Thus, among

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy