A client has been admitted repeatedly in the past year for episodes of atrial flutter which the cardiologist believes are caused by an area of conduction in the atria other than the SA node. Medications have not improved the condition. Which procedure should the nurse anticipate will be performed?
Heart transplantation
Defibrillation
Coronary artery stent placement
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
The Correct Answer is D
A. Heart transplantation is not indicated for atrial flutter; it is reserved for end-stage heart failure or severe cardiac conditions that cannot be managed by other means.
B. Defibrillation is used in emergency situations for life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation, not for atrial flutter.
C. Coronary artery stent placement is used to open blocked coronary arteries, not to treat arrhythmias.
D. Radiofrequency catheter ablation targets and destroys the abnormal conduction pathways causing atrial flutter, providing a more permanent solution when medications are ineffective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. NSTEMI would present with elevated troponin levels indicating myocardial injury, which is not the case here.
B. Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
C. STEMI is characterized by ST-elevation on the ECG and elevated troponin levels, indicating significant myocardial injury.
D. Unstable angina presents with chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is not predictable. The presence of T-wave inversion and normal troponin levels is consistent with this diagnosis.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Administering furosemide 40 mg via IV push once is appropriate for treating fluid overload, as evidenced by pitting edema and crackles in the lungs, common in heart failure.
B. An IV infusion of normal saline (NS) at 150 mL/hr is not appropriate for this client as it can exacerbate fluid overload and worsen heart failure symptoms.
C. Administering digoxin 0.25 mg via IV push NOW may be indicated, but considering the client's low pulse rate (55/min), caution is necessary due to the risk of digoxin toxicity and bradycardia.
D. Monitoring daily weights is crucial for assessing fluid balance in heart failure patients and detecting any changes in fluid status.
E. Calling a code STEMI is not appropriate as the client does not exhibit signs of a STEMI; troponin levels are not elevated, and there is no indication of an acute myocardial infarction.
F. Monitoring strict intake and output helps in managing fluid balance and ensuring accurate assessment of the client's fluid status.
G. Preparing the client for an echocardiogram is appropriate to assess cardiac function and evaluate the severity of heart failure.
H. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is not indicated for this client as it is typically used to treat arrhythmias, not heart failure or fluid overload.
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