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Adenosine — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Rapid IV push for SVT

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Adenosine on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Use

Key facts

Slows AV node → converts SVT
First-line for stable SVT

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Do

Nursing actions

6mg RAPID IV push + flush
Use port closest to heart
Have crash cart, ECG ready

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Expect

Key facts

Brief asystole/pause normal
Flushing, chest pain, dyspnea

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Alert

Key facts

Half-life < 10 sec → push fast
Avoid in WPW, asthma caution

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Quick Tip

First-line drug for converting stable narrow-complex PSVT to sinus rhythm.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin Toxicity Heparin Therapy Warfarin Therapy Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children

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