Dysrhythmia s, also known as arrhythmias , occur when there is abnormal automaticity (spontaneous impulse generation) or abnormal conduction that results in a problem with the heart rate and/or rhythm. Medications address dysrhythmias by manipulating the electrolytes and other receptors involved in the cardiac conduction system to either treat the manifestations of the underlying arrhythmia or restore a normal heart…

cardioversion — restoration of a normal heart rhythm in a client with a dysrhythmia. dysrhythmia — an abnormal heart rate or rhythm; also called arrhythmia. vagal maneuver — physical manipulation that can increase parasympathetic activation to treat various arrhythmias. torsade de pointes — a dangerous ventricular tachycardia associated with medications that prolong the QT interval.

Be able to recognize and monitor for serious and potentially dangerous adverse effects of these drugs; recognize differences in dosing regimens between IV and oral forms of the drugs.