amiodarone/a-fib

[kgirl22]

New nurse here. Question with treating A-Fib. If heart rate is high say greater than 120 and bp is low, SBP 80's. What would a typical tx be?

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

We would commonly use amiodarone if patient was well filled, but first also check electrolyte levels sometimes just need some potassium and then heart rate improves.

Hypomagnesemia is also common with A fib.

A fib SP CABG--I have almost always seen amio in this instance. If the A fib is not secondary to open heart surgery, and is being managed by cardiology, it will usually be a dilt gtt. Although, if someone came into the ER with that pressure, new onset a fib, and it is belivied that pressure is due to the A fib, cardioversion (either chemical or electrical) remains an option.