Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

In the case of cardiac arrest, for what purpose is amiodarone typically used?

1. As a first line treatment for atrial fibrillation conversion

2. In the treatment of bradycardia

3. As an initial dose of 40 units IV push, repeated as needed

4. For refractory ventricular fibrillation

The correct answer is: For refractory ventricular fibrillation

Amiodarone is primarily utilized in the context of cardiac arrest for the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation. In cases of ventricular fibrillation that do not respond to initial defibrillation attempts and standard protocols, amiodarone can be administered to help stabilize the cardiac rhythm. This drug works by prolonging the action potential and refractory period in myocardial tissue, which can be particularly beneficial in restoring normal heart rhythm in situations where electrical activity has been compromised due to ventricular fibrillation. Administering amiodarone after appropriate measures, such as CPR and defibrillation, can often be a crucial step in managing a cardiac arrest scenario where conventional methods have failed. In contrast, amiodarone is not the first line for converting atrial fibrillation, nor is it used in bradycardia management, which typically requires other medications or interventions. Additionally, while it may be administered intravenously, the specific dose of 40 units IV push does not pertain to the standard practices for amiodarone, reinforcing that its application is much more focused on critical arrhythmias, particularly those that are difficult to treat.