A patient who took a large amount of amitriptyline is drowsy, hypotensive and has a widened QRS complex on the ECG. Which treatment should the nurse expect to prepare?
Correct answer: A. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
- A. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
- B. Intravenous calcium gluconate
- C. Nebulised salbutamol
- D. Intramuscular vitamin K
Explanation
Tricyclic antidepressant toxicity can cause sodium-channel blockade, hypotension and QRS widening. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate helps narrow the QRS and support blood pressure; calcium gluconate is not the specific treatment for this ECG pattern.
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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