Hey all cardiac nurses,
Is the adenosine contraindicated in asthma? Have your patients had any bad experiences with adenosine stress test?

I worked in a cardiology office for 11 years. We used a LOT of adenosine for stress testing. This drug should be used very cautiously in patients with COPD (including asthma), as it can cause bronchospasm. If the patient is not actively wheezing, I would pretreat him/her with 2 puffs of an albuterol inhaler then go for it.

Originally Posted by medsurgnurse

Hey all cardiac nurses,
Is the adenosine contraindicated in asthma? Have your patients had any bad experiences with adenosine stress test?

I had an adenosine stress test a few months ago. I have well-documented asthma, but I wasn't given any bronchodilators and I did OK with the test. I'll keep that in mind, though, in the event that I have to have this done again in the future........of course, I imagine this is why they keep a fully-stocked crash cart three feet away from you when you're having the test! :chuckle