A nurse is analyzing a client’s electrocardiogram (ECG) strip and identifies the following information: Heart rate: 92/min.

Rhythm: Irregular.

P wave: Unable to identify.

PR interval: Unable to measure. QRS duration: 0.10 seconds.

Based upon this information, the nurse should interpret the client’s rhythm as indicating which of the following?

Supraventricular tachycardia.

Atrial fibrillation.

Sinus bradycardia.

First-degree heart block.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by a rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, typically with a regular rhythm and identifiable P waves. The described ECG strip shows an irregular rhythm and an inability to identify P waves, which is not consistent with SVT5.
Choice B rationale
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm, absence of identifiable P waves, and variable PR intervals. The ECG findings of an irregular rhythm, inability to identify P waves, and a QRS duration of 0.10 seconds are consistent with AF6.
Choice C rationale
Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute and identifiable P waves preceding each QRS complex. The described ECG strip shows an irregular rhythm and an inability to identify P waves, which is not consistent with sinus bradycardia.
Choice D rationale
First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval with a regular rhythm. The described ECG strip shows an irregular rhythm and an inability to measure the PR interval, which is not consistent with first-degree heart block.

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

Choice A rationale
Progressive increase in platelet production is not a characteristic of DIC. DIC typically involves a decrease in platelet count due to consumption.
Choice B rationale
Excessive thrombosis and bleeding are hallmark features of DIC, as the condition involves both clot formation and bleeding due to the consumption of clotting factors.
Choice C rationale
Immediate sodium and fluid retention are not characteristic findings of DIC.
Choice D rationale
Increased clotting factors are not seen in DIC; instead, there is a consumption of clotting factors leading to their decrease.

A. “DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen.”. B. “DIC is a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency.”. C. “DIC is characterized by an elevated platelet count.”. D. “DIC is controllable with lifelong heparin usage.”. .

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen. In DIC, there is widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the bloodstream. This process consumes clotting factors and platelets, increasing the risk of severe bleeding.
Choice B rationale
DIC is not a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency. It is typically a secondary condition resulting from other underlying issues such as sepsis, trauma, or malignancy. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding disorders, but it is not the cause of DIC13.
Choice C rationale

DIC is characterized by a decreased platelet count, not an elevated one. The consumption of platelets and clotting factors in the formation of microthrombi leads to thrombocytopenia and an increased risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale
DIC is not controllable with lifelong heparin usage. While heparin may be used in certain cases to manage DIC, it is not a lifelong treatment. The management of DIC focuses on treating the underlying cause and supporting the patient through the acute phase of the disorder.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has septic shock about the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give highest priority to?

A nurse is caring for a 75-year-old male client who is experiencing difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Exhibits The nurse is caring for the client following a thoracentesis. (Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.)

A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has leukemia. Exhibits Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider? Select the 6 findings that should be reported to the provider.

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports dizziness and palpitations. Which of the following should the nurse understand is the cause of these manifestations?

A nurse is planning nutritional teaching for a client who is experiencing fatigue due to iron deficiency anemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend to the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving radiation therapy to treat lung cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?