AACN clinical issues in critical care nursing
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Digoxin is frequently prescribed for patients. With a narrow therapeutic window, toxicity can quickly occur. Nurses must quickly recognize dysrhythmias associated with digoxin toxicity to prevent life-threatening situations.
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Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a cardiac conduction disorder that presents with potentially life-threatening consequences. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome-induced dysrhythmias account for 20% of all supraventricular tachycardias that occur in the general population. ⋯ Current diagnostic modalities are accurate in identifying patients with WPW syndrome, but lack the sensitivity to predict sudden cardiac death. This article reviews the history of WPW syndrome, as well as its general characteristics, diagnostic criteria, treatment modalities, and nursing implications.