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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Most individuals with Bell's palsy experience gradual improvement within weeks to months, and the majority recover completely. Permanent facial paralysis is rare, but some individuals may have residual mild weakness or asymmetry.
B. This statement is not typically true for Bell's palsy. Antibiotic eye drops are not routinely prescribed unless there is evidence of corneal exposure due to incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos). Instead, artificial tears and lubricating ointments are often recommended to prevent dryness and protect the cornea.
C. In Bell's palsy, weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles can lead to inability to fully close the eyelid on the affected side. Taping the eyelid closed at night helps prevent corneal damage from exposure and dryness.
D. This statement is not recommended. It is important to avoid stressing the affected facial muscles excessively during recovery from Bell's palsy. Chewing evenly on both sides of the mouth is generally recommended to prevent strain and promote balanced muscle function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dopamine is primarily associated with other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, not Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's disease, the focus is on changes related to beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles rather than alterations in dopamine levels.
B. Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play a role in the brain's immune response and support of neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of increased activation and proliferation of glial cells in response to neuroinflammation and the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This reactive gliosis is a secondary response to the underlying pathology.
C. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of dysregulation in glutamate metabolism and
signaling pathways. This dysregulation can lead to excitotoxicity, which contributes to neuronal damage and cell death seen in the disease.
D. Neurofibrillary tangles are one of the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. These tangles are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that accumulate inside neurons, disrupting their normal functioning and eventually leading to cell death. Neurofibrillary tangles, along with beta- amyloid plaques, contribute to the progressive cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease.
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