A client presents to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining of a "racing" heart and nervousness. The client also admits to a history of cocaine abuse. The cardiac monitor displays the rhythm below. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform?

Perform carotid massage on the client

Administer adenosine 12mg IV push STAT

Prepare the client for electrical cardioversion

Assess patient and obtain vital signs

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Carotid massage can be used as a vagal maneuver for certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), particularly in stable patients. However, it is not recommended in cases where the patient has a history of cocaine use or is showing signs of instability because of the potential for triggering a serious event, like a stroke.
B.   Adenosine is a medication commonly used for the treatment of SVT. However, it should be given with caution and only after assessing the patient's condition. In this case, the patient needs to be assessed first, including vital signs, level of consciousness, and overall stability, before any medications are administered.
C.   Electrical cardioversion is indicated for unstable SVT (e.g., signs of hemodynamic instability such as hypotension, chest pain, or altered mental status). However, this patient is only reporting a "racing heart" and nervousness and has not yet been assessed for vital signs or other clinical symptoms.
D.   The first step in this case should be to assess the patient's condition. This includes checking the vital signs, level of consciousness, and overall stability. Once this initial assessment is performed, the nurse can then determine whether medications or other interventions (like adenosine or cardioversion) are needed.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While privacy may be important for a patient who is emotionally distressed, the priority is addressing
the client’s emotional state, not the physical environment.
B. This might be helpful later, but the priority is to explore the patient's feelings and concerns regarding their condition first. Immediate emotional support is more important at this stage.
C. When a patient expresses feelings of hopelessness, as in this case, the nurse must assess for potential suicidal ideation. This is a priority to ensure patient safety and to provide necessary psychological support or intervention.
D. While reassurance is important, providing false or unrealistic expectations can lead to further disappointment. The nurse should focus on addressing emotional distress and offering realistic support rather than giving definitive assurances.

A. Visual changes, anorexia B. Polyuria, polydipsia C. Palpitations, shortness of breath D. Systolic murmur, severe anxiety

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. These are not typical symptoms of atrial flutter. They may be seen in other conditions like hypertensive crisis or systemic problems, but not as a primary manifestation of atrial flutter.
B. These are classic signs of diabetes or hyperglycemia, not atrial flutter.
C. These are common symptoms of atrial flutter, which results in an irregular heart rhythm and may cause increased heart rate, leading to palpitations and shortness of breath.
D. A systolic murmur is more associated with valve problems, and anxiety could be a result of various issues but is not a typical finding directly caused by atrial flutter.

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A client presents to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining of a "racing" heart and nervousness. The client also admits to a history of cocaine abuse. The cardiac monitor displays the rhythm below. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The physician has just informed a client with advanced heart failure that a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) will be needed. The client is crying and says to the nurse, "I just know that I am going to die. What's the point of treatment?" The priority nursing action is to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which physical assessment findings would the nurse anticipate for a client with rapid atrial flutter?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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