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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Administer famotidine 20 mg IV. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist used for stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients. While this medication may be beneficial, it is not the priority intervention based on the insulin protocol and the client's blood glucose level.
B. Titrate insulin infusion by 1 unit/hour. The client’s blood glucose is 160 mg/dL, which falls within the 150–199 mg/dL range according to the insulin protocol. The protocol directs the nurse to increase the insulin drip rate by 1 unit/hour to maintain blood glucose levels below 150 mg/dL. This is the most immediate and appropriate action.
C. Increase dopamine 2 mcg/kg. The client’s MAP is 66 mmHg, which meets the protocol goal of keeping MAP >65 mmHg. There is no indication for increasing dopamine at this time, as the blood pressure is already within the target range.
D. Raise oxygen by 10 percent. The client is on 50% FiO₂ via a face mask with an oxygen saturation of 92%, which is adequate oxygenation for a critically ill patient. Increasing FiO₂ unnecessarily may contribute to oxygen toxicity and is not required based on current oxygenation status.

A. Elevate the head of the bed and provide a pillow under the client's head. B. Suction the endotracheal tube every 15 minutes to reduce choking. C. Intersperse treatments and nursing care with frequent rest periods. D. Change positions frequently while providing basic nursing care.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Elevate the head of the bed and provide a pillow under the client's head. While elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can help reduce ICP by promoting venous drainage, placing a pillow under the head may cause neck flexion, which can obstruct venous outflow and worsen intracranial pressure. Instead, the head should be maintained in a neutral midline position without excessive flexion or extension.
B. Suction the endotracheal tube every 15 minutes to reduce choking. Frequent suctioning can increase ICP due to coughing and vagal stimulation. Suctioning should be performed only as needed and using minimized suction duration to prevent sudden rises in intracranial pressure.
C. Intersperse treatments and nursing care with frequent rest periods. Clustering too many nursing interventions together can overstimulate the client and cause spikes in ICP. Providing adequate rest periods between activities such as repositioning, suctioning, and assessments allows intracranial pressure to return to baseline levels, helping to prevent sustained increases.
D. Change positions frequently while providing basic nursing care. Frequent repositioning can cause sudden fluctuations in ICP, especially if movements are abrupt or cause venous obstruction. Turning the client slowly and maintaining the head in a neutral position is recommended to avoid exacerbating intracranial hypertension.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a client who attempted suicide by jumping from a tenth floor balcony. The client is intubated and mechanically ventilated. Which intervention should the nurse implement to minimize rises in ICP?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Exhibits Drag one condition and one client finding to complete the sentence(s). Based on the ABG values, the nurse knows that the client has dropdownrelated todropdown

The nurse is evaluating a client's central venous pressure (CVP) also called right atrial pressure (RAP) readings that are trending upwards. Which nursing problem is supported by the pathophysiologic mechanism most likely causing the increases?

A client is brought to the emergency department (ED) following a motor vehicle collision with blunt trauma to the chest. Which finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider (HCP)?

A client with a gunshot wound is brought to the emergency department (ED) with a bullet entry at the spinal level of C8 and T1.The client is able to move the upper arms. To further assess the client's spinal nerve function, which action should the nurse implement?

A client diagnosed with pancreatitis reports severe epigastric pain. After administering a narcotic analgesic, the client insists on Tip sitting up and leaning forward. Which action should the nurse implement?

Exhibits Which are three goals of therapy for this client?

Exhibits Based on the client's diagnosis, which results does the nurse expect in the blood gas? Select all that apply