A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?

Irregular

Bounding

Not palpable

Slow

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A In atrial fibrillation (AF), the electrical activity in the atria is chaotic, leading to an irregularly irregular ventricular response. As a result, the pulse felt at the radial artery will be irregular, with no discernible pattern. The irregularity is a hallmark feature of AF and is often described as "irregularly irregular."

B Bounding pulses are characterized by a strong and forceful pulsation felt at the arterial pulse sites. In atrial fibrillation, the irregular and rapid ventricular response can lead to an increased stroke volume and forceful contraction of the left ventricle during diastole, resulting in bounding pulses. However, bounding pulses are not typically associated with atrial fibrillation; they are more commonly seen in conditions such as aortic regurgitation or hyperdynamic circulation.

C In some cases of atrial fibrillation, especially if the ventricular rate is very rapid or irregularly irregular, the pulse may not be palpable due to the inconsistent ventricular contractions.

However, in most cases of atrial fibrillation, a pulse is palpable, albeit irregular.

D Atrial fibrillation can result in a rapid ventricular response, leading to a fast heart rate. However, the pulse rate can vary widely among individuals with atrial fibrillation. While some may have a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), others may have a slower heart rate (bradycardia), depending on factors such as concomitant medications, autonomic tone, and the presence of underlying heart disease.

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

B. A client who is postoperative with shallow respirations at a rate of 9/min is likely not adequately eliminating carbon dioxide from their body due to hypoventilation. This retention of carbon dioxide can lead to an increase in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood, causing an acidotic state.

A. Metabolic acidosis results from an accumulation of acids in the body or a loss of bicarbonate. Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis does not directly cause metabolic acidosis.

C. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to decreased arterial carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and an increase in pH. Shallow respirations and decreased respiratory rate are more consistent with hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis rather than hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis.

D. Metabolic alkalosis results from excessive loss of acids or increased bicarbonate levels in the body. Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis does not directly cause metabolic alkalosis.

A. Atropine B. Sodium bicarbonate C. Magnesium D. Epinephrine

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Atropine is commonly used in the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia. It works by blocking vagal stimulation, leading to increased heart rate. Atropine is typically administered in doses of 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 to 5 minutes, up to a total dose of 3 mg, in patients with symptomatic bradycardia.

B. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for symptomatic bradycardia. It is primarily used in the management of metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and certain drug overdoses. While sodium bicarbonate may be administered in specific situations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), it is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.

C. Magnesium sulfate is used in the treatment of certain arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes and refractory ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia associated with hypomagnesemia. However, it is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Magnesium sulfate may be considered if there are specific indications such as torsades de pointes or suspected hypomagnesemia.

D. Epinephrine is commonly used in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols for cardiac arrest. It is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Epinephrine is primarily used during CPR to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion by increasing systemic vascular resistance and heart rate.

However, in the case of symptomatic bradycardia, atropine is typically preferred as the initial medication.

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

A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 9/min. Which of the following acid-based imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a cardiopulmonary arrest. The nurse anticipates the emergency response team will administer which of the following medications if the client's restored rhythm is symptomatic bradycardia?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is suctioning the endotracheal tube of a client who is on a ventilator. The client's heart rate increases from 86/min to 110/min and becomes irregular. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious and has a breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea. The nurse should document that the client has which of the following respiratory alterations?

A patient who has neurogenic shock is receiving a dobutamine infusion through a right forearm IV. Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse indicates a need for immediate action?

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a sucking chest wound resulting from a gunshot. The client has a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, a weak pulse rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 40/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is collecting a medication history from a client who is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following medications taken by the client interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury?

A patient who has been involved in a motor vehicle crash arrives in the emergency department (ED) with cool, clammy skin; tachycardia; and hypotension. Which intervention prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?

A nurse in a cardiac care unit is caring for a client with acute right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?