After administering adenosine, which action is essential to ensure the drug is effective?

After administering adenosine, which action is essential to ensure the drug is effective?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed
• B. Flush the IV line with saline
• C. Obtain MRI
• D. Start defibrillation

Answer: (B)

Adenosine works for only a few seconds, so it must reach the heart almost immediately to have an effect. Delivering a rapid IV push followed by a saline flush pushes the drug straight into central circulation, directing it quickly to the AV node where it causes a brief block and can terminate a paroxysmal SVT. The flush is essential to prevent dilution or delay as the drug travels through peripheral veins. After administration, keep the patient on continuous monitoring and be ready for a very brief pause in rhythm or chest discomfort, with resuscitation equipment available. Other actions, like changing bed position, obtaining an MRI, or starting defibrillation, do not enhance the drug’s effectiveness and are not the immediate step to ensure adenosine works.

Adenosine works for only a few seconds, so it must reach the heart almost immediately to have an effect. Delivering a rapid IV push followed by a saline flush pushes the drug straight into central circulation, directing it quickly to the AV node where it causes a brief block and can terminate a paroxysmal SVT. The flush is essential to prevent dilution or delay as the drug travels through peripheral veins. After administration, keep the patient on continuous monitoring and be ready for a very brief pause in rhythm or chest discomfort, with resuscitation equipment available. Other actions, like changing bed position, obtaining an MRI, or starting defibrillation, do not enhance the drug’s effectiveness and are not the immediate step to ensure adenosine works.