What adjunct should be considered when performing transcutaneous pacing for unstable bradycardia?

• A. Sedation and analgesia medications
• B. Diuretics
• C. Anticoagulation
• D. Hypertonic saline

Answer: (A)

During transcutaneous pacing for unstable bradycardia, the patient often experiences pain and anxiety from the electrical stimulation and chest muscle contractions. Providing analgesia and sedation helps the patient tolerate the pacing, reduces movement that can interfere with effective capture, and can improve overall cooperation during the procedure. Use these adjuncts cautiously, monitoring respirations, oxygenation, and blood pressure, since sedation can lower BP in already unstable patients.

Other interventions listed aren’t immediate adjuncts to pacing. Diuretics address fluid status and aren’t used to support pacing; anticoagulation targets clot risk rather than acute rhythm management; hypertonic saline is for specific electrochemical or cerebral conditions, not for facilitating transcutaneous pacing.