Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What should the nurse monitor for when administering Adenosine?

1. Heart rate increase

2. Patient’s eyes closed

3. Heart will stop momentarily

4. Temperature drop

The correct answer is: Heart will stop momentarily

When administering Adenosine, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor the patient's heart because Adenosine acts as a rapid-acting antiarrhythmic agent, primarily used to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). One of the notable effects of Adenosine is that it temporarily interrupts electrical conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, leading to a transient pause in heart activity. This effect can manifest as a momentary flattening of the electrocardiogram (ECG) or a brief cessation of heart rhythm, which can feel like the heart is stopping. The significance of this response highlights the importance of careful monitoring during and after administration, as healthcare providers need to ensure the patient recovers from this transient effect properly and assess for the resumption of normal cardiac rhythm. Understanding this phenomenon is essential for ensuring patient safety and providing proper context to any post-administration assessment.