Adenosine Mnemonic Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Adenosine: An antiarrhythmic drug used to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
• Mnemonic: Deno's Diner used to remember aspects of adenosine.

Mechanism of Action

• Function: Slows electrical conduction through the AV node, slowing down the heart.
• Imagery: Static on a screen symbolizes arrhythmia due to irregular rhythm strips.

Clinical Uses

• Primary Use: First-line treatment for SVT.
  • Analogy: Fast-tapping fingers represent the rapid heart rhythm of SVT.
• Action: Slows conduction through AV node to break down electrical circuits causing SVT.

Administration

• Method: Administer via rapid IV push due to very short half-life (<10 seconds).
  • Reminder: Fast push cart symbolizes rapid IV push.
• Procedure: Followed by a saline flush to ensure full effect before drug disappears.

Side Effects

• Transient Asystole: Temporary stop of the heart for a few seconds.
  • Note: Heart should restart on its own to normal sinus rhythm.
• Chest Pain: Feels like a push cart slamming into chest.
• Sense of Impending Doom: A common feeling during transient asystole.
• Flushing: Red face due to vasodilation near the skin surface.
• Dyspnea: Feeling of not being able to catch breath.

Patient Education

• Explain potential side effects to patients to prevent panic.
• Variability: Some patients tolerate adenosine better than others.

Recap

• Key Points:
  • Converts SVT to normal sinus rhythm.
  • Extremely short half-life; requires rapid administration.
  • Notable side effects are transient and include asystole, chest pain, flushing, and dyspnea.

Conclusion

• Adenosine works like a manager at Denno's Diner, bringing order to chaos by stopping arrhythmias and restoring normal rhythm.
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