Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 529 of 2368

A nurse gives adenosine for supraventricular tachycardia and sees no electrical activity on the monitor for a few seconds. What is the nurse's best interpretation?

  1. This means the drug has caused permanent heart block.
  2. This means the dose was too low.
  3. This can occur briefly before normal sinus rhythm returns.
  4. This means the client has developed a pulmonary embolism.
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Correct answer: This can occur briefly before normal sinus rhythm returns.

A brief pause on the ECG can be seen before sinus rhythm is restored, and the client should be warned beforehand.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Cardiovascular & Renal Systems: Adenosine. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026