How to Give Adenosine

Adenosine is a prescription medication given to patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias. An arrhythmia means that the person's heart is beating abnormally; too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Symptoms include dizziness, chest pain, palpitations (irregular heartbeat), syncope (fainting), and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing cardiac symptoms, you need immediate medical attention. At the emergency room, part of your treatment will include the appropriate dosage of Adenosine to regulate your heart. Adenosine should only be given by a licensed, health care professional.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Seek immediate treatment from a physician if you are experiencing palpitations, chest pain, fainting, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

2. Receive treatment for your condition. Go to the emergency room. If the physician deems it necessary, she will prescribe Adenosine.

3. Calculate the dosage. For adult patients, the initial recommended dosage is 6 milligrams through the patient's IV (intravenous line). This dosage is given quickly, as a rapid bolus (no more than 2 seconds).

4. Administer Adenosine via the patient's IV. After the drug is injected, flush the IV line with saline.

5. Check the patient's symptoms. If the patient's cardiac rhythms are normal, another dose is not warranted. Should abnormal symptoms still exist after a few minutes, administer a second dose. This time you will give 12 milligrams through the IV.

6. Check the patient's symptoms again in a few minutes. If the heart rate is still irregular, you can administer another 12 milligram dose of Adenosine. Do not give more than 12 milligrams per dose.

Tips & Warnings

• Cardiac conditions and the medications prescribed to treat them are dangerous. Call 911 if you are having chest pain or shortness of breath and seek medical attention immediately.

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