Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Background

Introduction to the Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Neurotransmitters

Review

Summary

Section 3: Autonomic Agents: Adrenergic

The Adrenergic Receptors

Adrenergic Agonists

Adrenergic Antagonists

Review

Summary

Section 5: Autonomic Agents: Cholinergic

The Cholinergic Neuron

Cholinergic Receptors

Cholinergic Agonists

Cholinergic Antagonists

Review

Summary

Section 6: Antiarrhythmics

Introduction

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Causes of Arrhythmias

Class I: Sodium Channel Blockers

Class II: Beta Blockers

Class III: Potassium Channel Blockers

Class IV: Calcium Channel Blockers

Others: Digoxin, Adenosine, & Magnesium Sulfate

Review

Summary

Section 7: Conclusion

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Elizabeth Kellerman MSN, RN started in nursing in 2007 after graduating from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. While working in a critical care unit at Sutter Mills-Peninsula Hospital she earned her CCRN and TNCC. Her experience and knowledge led her to nursing education where she taught at a community college while working to receive her Master's in Nurse Education at Western Carolina University. As a nursing instructor, she spent time in many types of care settings including medical-surgical inpatient and community living centers. Her passion for education and training has most recently led her to a position as subject matter expert and content writer for Relias. Disclosure: Elizabeth Kellerman, MSN, RN has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Kristen Ponichtera BSN, RN, CFRN, CTRN, CCRN brings 10 years of clinical and educational experience in the fields of critical care, emergency and aviation medicine. Serving as Program Director of Flight & Critical Care Nursing Education, she has created original comprehensive educational courses as well as has contributed to best-selling publications. An active member of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), and the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN), she has been revered as a resource and mentor to many clinicians serving in these specialties. Fulfilling roles as a registered nurse, ECMO specialist, director and clinical educator, Kristen brings a unique and original perspective to the realm of medical education. Disclosure: Kristen Ponichtera BSN, RN, CFRN, CTRN, CCRN has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

David Hoeft, MD is a board certified Anesthesiologist at American Anesthesiology of New York. In addition to his strong background in physical and chemical sciences, David is actively involved in graduate medical education and research, and brings clinical and didactic expertise across the continuum of medical practice. Disclosure: David Hoeft, MD has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Dr. Susan Zhao graduated from the Normal University in Beijing, China with a BS in biology in 1995. She subsequently came to the United States to pursue post graduate training including a MS degree from Drexel University in 1997, followed by basic research at Rockefeller University. Following her passion for research, she went on to graduate magna cum laude with a MD from Harvard Medical School in 2005. Dr. Zhao completed her internal medicine internship and residency from Massachusetts General Hospital in 2008 and cardiology fellowship from the University of California, San Francisco in 2011.

Since joining the faculty at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in 2011, Dr. Zhao has been highly regarded for her passion in teaching and mentorship and received the Excellence in Teaching faculty award in 2013. She is actively involved with clinical research in multiple areas including: functional tricuspid valve dysfunction due to chronic atrial fibrillation; the relationship between occult atrial fibrillation and cryptogenic stroke; cardiac manifestations of methamphetamine abuse, among others. Her work has resulted in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.

Disclosure: Susan Zhao, MD has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.