A nurse is assessing a client who has a heart rate of 40/min. The client is diaphoretic and has chest pain. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
Lidocaine
Adenosine
Atropine
Verapamil
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason
Lidocaine is primarily used to treat ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It is not typically used for bradycardia (a heart rate of 40/min) and would not be appropriate for this scenario.
Choice B Reason
Adenosine is used to treat certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by slowing down the heart rate. It is not indicated for bradycardia and would not be suitable for a heart rate of 40/min.
Choice C Reason
Atropine is the first-line medication for treating symptomatic bradycardia. It works by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart, thereby increasing the heart rate. Given the client’s symptoms of a low heart rate, diaphoresis, and chest pain, atropine is the appropriate choice.
Choice D Reason
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias. However, it is not used for bradycardia and could potentially worsen the condition by further lowering the heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Taking aspirin is generally not recommended for pain management in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients. Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and may affect kidney function, which is already compromised in PKD patients. Instead, acetaminophen is often recommended for pain relief.
Choice B Reason:
Reducing dietary fiber intake is not typically advised for PKD patients. In fact, a balanced diet with adequate fiber is important for overall health and can help manage symptoms such as constipation, which can be a concern for PKD patients.
Choice C Reason:
Applying dry heat to the abdomen can help alleviate pain associated with PKD. Heat therapy can relax muscles and reduce discomfort caused by the enlarged kidneys and cysts. This non-pharmacological approach is safe and can be effective in managing pain.
Choice D Reason:
Checking weight once per week is not sufficient for PKD patients. Regular monitoring of weight is important to detect fluid retention and other complications. It is generally recommended to check weight more frequently, such as daily, to promptly identify any significant changes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Maintain strict bed rest. This intervention is not typically recommended for managing Ménière’s disease. While rest during acute vertigo episodes is important, strict bed rest is not necessary and can lead to other complications such as muscle atrophy and decreased mobility.
Choice B Reason
Restrict fluid intake to the morning hours. This statement is incorrect. Fluid intake should be evenly distributed throughout the day to help manage the symptoms of Ménière’s disease. Restricting fluids to the morning hours can lead to dehydration and does not effectively manage the condition.
Choice C Reason
Administer aspirin. This intervention is not recommended for Ménière’s disease. Aspirin can worsen tinnitus, a common symptom of Ménière’s disease, and is generally avoided in these patients.
Choice D Reason
Provide a low-sodium diet. This is the correct intervention. A low-sodium diet helps reduce fluid retention in the body, which can decrease the pressure in the inner ear and help manage the symptoms of Ménière’s disease. Reducing sodium intake to 1,500-2,000 milligrams per day is often recommended.
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