A client has been treated for uncontrolled atrial fibrillation with cardioversion. Following the cardioversion, which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the desired outcome was achieved?
Normal sinus rhythm (NSR) at 84 beats/minute.
Regular rhythm with consistent pacemaker capture.
Return of elevated ST segment to the baseline.
Increased frequency of QRS complexes.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Normal sinus rhythm (NSR) at 84 beats/minute. The goal of cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) is to restore a normal sinus rhythm (NSR). NSR indicates that the atria and ventricles are depolarizing in a coordinated manner, reducing the risk of thromboembolism, stroke, and hemodynamic instability. A heart rate of 84 beats/minute is within the normal range, confirming the success of the procedure.
B. Regular rhythm with consistent pacemaker capture. Cardioversion is used to restore normal rhythm in AFib, not to manage pacemaker function. A pacemaker is not part of standard AFib cardioversion unless the client has underlying conduction issues requiring pacing.
C. Return of elevated ST segment to the baseline. ST elevation suggests acute myocardial infarction (MI), which is unrelated to atrial fibrillation or cardioversion. Cardioversion does not treat ST elevation or myocardial ischemia, making this an incorrect indicator of success.
D. Increased frequency of QRS complexes. An increase in QRS frequency suggests tachycardia, which would indicate treatment failure rather than success. The goal of cardioversion is to restore a normal, controlled heart rate and rhythm, not to increase the number of ventricular contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Measure the client's abdominal girth. While tracking abdominal distension is useful, it does not address the underlying cause of the client's deterioration. Measuring girth should not delay immediate intervention for a potentially life-threatening condition.
B. Monitor the client's recent hemoglobin levels. A drop in hemoglobin would indicate internal bleeding, but waiting for lab results could delay necessary treatment. The client is already showing signs of early shock, requiring urgent medical intervention rather than just monitoring.
C. Prepare for nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion. An NGT may be needed for bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus, but the client's worsening condition suggests a more urgent issue, such as intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Addressing the potential bleeding takes priority over decompression.
D. Notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of the client's status. The client's tachycardia, tachypnea, cool pale skin, and worsening abdominal distension suggest early shock, likely due to postoperative internal bleeding or abdominal compartment syndrome. Immediate notification of the HCP ensures rapid assessment, diagnostic testing, and potential emergency intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. View the rhythm in another chest lead. While verifying the rhythm in another lead may help confirm the accuracy of the monitor, it does not address the immediate absence of a pulse and respirations. The client is in pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which requires immediate intervention rather than rhythm verification.
B. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 120 times a minute. The client has no palpable carotid pulse and no spontaneous respirations despite a sinus rhythm on the monitor, indicating pulseless electrical activity (PEA). PEA is a form of cardiac arrest where the heart shows electrical activity but fails to generate effective circulation. Immediate high-quality chest compressions are essential to maintain perfusion while addressing the underlying cause, such as hypovolemia or tension pneumothorax.
C. Auscultate all chest fields for muffled lung sounds. While assessing for muffled lung sounds may help detect conditions such as tension pneumothorax or hemothorax, it should not delay the initiation of CPR. Once compressions are started, the underlying cause of PEA can be investigated.
D. Observe for swelling at the fracture site. Swelling at the fracture site may indicate bleeding or compartment syndrome, but assessing the fracture should not take priority over initiating CPR. If hemorrhage is suspected as a cause of PEA, rapid fluid resuscitation should be initiated after starting chest compressions.
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