Question

What are the key nursing considerations when administering adenosine?

Answer 1

Key nursing consideratIons while administering adenoside

1. Starting dose: 50 mcg/kg/dose rapid IV push (1-2 sec). Increase dose in 50 mcg /kg increments as required for
q2 min until return of sinus rhythm or until a maximum of 250 mcg/kg.
2 Rapid flush line with 2 ml normal saline after each dose
3 Infuse as close to IV site as possible.
4 May be given intraosseous
5 Respons should occur within 2 minutes of the dose.

●Contraindications and Precautions to remember for IV Adenosine are
1. Hypersensitivity to adenosine
2. Sick sinus syndrome
3. 2nd or 3rd degree A-V block without pacemaker
4. Atrial fibrillation
5. Ventricular tachycardia

● Nursing Implications
1. It is very important that medication to be given rapid IV bolus that is within 1-2 sec.
2. Infuse as close to IV site as possible and flush with NS after each dose administration.
3. Continuous ECG and BP monitoring to be done.
● Special Considerations and Calculations
1. Caffeine and theophylline block the effect of adenosine so check for any consumption of prior to administration is their to avoid complication if already taken these medicines prior to adenosine dosing Large doses of adenosine may be require.

2. Recurrence of SVT occurs in approximately 30% of treated patients
3. Adenosine has become the drug of choice over verapamil for SVT in children of any age. Its major therapeutic advantage is that it works within 15 to 30 seconds and has a half-life of < 10 second s so the side effects last less than one minute.
4. Reconstituted in NS - supplied as 6mg/2mL
5. Dilutions can be made with NS for doses < 0.2 ml (0.6 mg)
6. Store at room temperature - DO NOT refrigerate because crystallization will occur on freezing.