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.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]

Explanation

B. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is essential for assessing the patient's hemodynamic status and response to treatment.

Additionally, continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring allows for real-time assessment of cardiac rhythm and conduction abnormalities.

C. This is an important nursing action to provide comfort and reduce anxiety for the patient. Transcutaneous pacing is often used as a temporary measure to stabilize heart rate and cardiac output until more definitive treatment, such as insertion of a permanent pacemaker, can be performed.

D. Atropine is another medication commonly used in ACLS protocols for symptomatic bradycardia and heart block. It acts to increase heart rate by blocking vagal tone. However, its effectiveness in third- degree heart block may be limited, and transcutaneous pacing is often the preferred intervention in this situation.

E. Correct placement of transcutaneous pacemaker pads is crucial for effective pacing. The pads should be placed on the chest over the heart to deliver electrical impulses and stimulate myocardial contraction. Proper placement ensures optimal pacing effectiveness and patient safety.

F. This nursing action addresses the patient's comfort and pain management following the placement of the transcutaneous pacemaker. The procedure may cause discomfort or pain, and appropriate analgesia should be provided to alleviate any discomfort and promote patient comfort.

A. Epinephrine is a medication commonly used in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols for bradycardia and heart block. In this scenario, the patient's heart rate has decreased to 40 beats/minute, indicating symptomatic bradycardia and potential hemodynamic instability. Epinephrine may be administered to increase heart rate and improve cardiac output.

A. Give PRN lorazepam (Ativan) and cancel the transfer. B. Obtain an order for restraints as needed and transfer the patient. C. Notify the health care provider and postpone the transfer. D. Inform the receiving nurse and then transfer the patient.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. This allows for the patient's condition to be re-evaluated, ensuring that they receive the necessary care and attention before being transferred.

A. Benzodiazepines can cause sedation, cognitive impairment, and delirium, which may worsen the patient's condition. Canceling the transfer without addressing the underlying cause of confusion may delay appropriate management.

B. Restraints can increase agitation, anxiety, and risk of injury, and they do not address the underlying cause of confusion. Restraints should only be considered as a last resort if all other measures to ensure patient safety have been exhausted.

D. This option is not appropriate because transferring the patient without addressing the new-onset confusion could compromise patient safety. It's essential to identify and manage the underlying cause of confusion before transferring the patient to another unit.

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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

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]

Explanation

An 81-yr-old patient who has been in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a week is now stable and transfer to the progressive care unit is planned. On rounds, the nurse notices that the patient has new onset confusion. What should the nurse plan to do?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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