A client on a cardiac unit is experiencing atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response of 140 beats per minute. The client is dizzy, short of breath, and hypotensive. Medications have not been effective at reducing the client's heart rate. Which procedure would the nurse anticipate to be performed for this client?
Defibrillation
Coronary artery stent placement
Echocardiogram
Synchronized cardioversion
The Correct Answer is D
A. Defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, where the heart is in a chaotic rhythm without an effective contraction.
B. This procedure is performed to relieve significant blockages in coronary arteries that are causing myocardial ischemia or infarction. While coronary artery disease can contribute to cardiac issues, it is not the primary intervention for treating atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response and associated symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, and hypotension.
C. While an echocardiogram may be useful in assessing the overall cardiac function and structure, it is not an immediate intervention for the acute management of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response and unstable symptoms.
D. Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure used to convert certain types of rapid arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, to a normal sinus rhythm by delivering a synchronized electrical shock to the heart at a specific point in the cardiac cycle.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Defibrillation is not typically indicated for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation involves disorganized electrical activity in the atria rather than a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, emergency defibrillation is not appropriate for a client with persistent atrial fibrillation.
B. CABG is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked coronary arteries. It is primarily indicated for clients with significant coronary artery disease that cannot be managed effectively with medications or less invasive
C. Anticoagulant therapy, such as with medications like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), is crucial for clients with atrial fibrillation. AFib predisposes individuals to an increased risk of stroke due to the potential formation of blood clots in the atria. Anticoagulants help prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of stroke.
D. Diuretics are medications that increase urine output and are often used to manage fluid overload or congestion in conditions such as heart failure or volume overload. However, diuretic therapy alone does not address the underlying rhythm abnormality of atrial fibrillation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Medicare does cover individuals under 65 years old who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and meet certain criteria.
B. There are programs that allow individuals with both Medicare and low income to qualify for Medicaid, which can help cover additional healthcare costs that Medicare may not fully cover.
C. While Medicare does provide significant coverage for healthcare services, it is not entirely free of out- of-pocket costs. Medicare Part A typically covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care services with no premiums for most people.
D. Medicare is indeed federally-funded health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. It also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities and those with ESRD.
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