A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation.
Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?
Not palpable.
Slow.
Irregular.
Bounding.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A pulse that is not palpable indicates severe circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest, not a characteristic of atrial fibrillation. It can be an emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
A slow pulse, or bradycardia, is not a typical feature of atrial fibrillation. Bradycardia is often associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or beta-blocker therapy rather than atrial fibrillation.
Choice C rationale
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular pulse due to disorganized electrical activity in the atria, leading to inconsistent ventricular contractions. Pulse rate can vary widely.
Choice D rationale
A bounding pulse, which is strong and forceful, is typically associated with conditions like fever or hyperthyroidism rather than atrial fibrillation. Bounding pulses are not characteristic of atrial fibrillation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Storing nitroglycerin in the bathroom medicine cabinet is incorrect. The bathroom’s humidity and heat can degrade the medication, reducing its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
Nitroglycerin dilates cardiac blood vessels to deliver more oxygen to the heart. This action helps relieve the chest pain associated with angina by increasing blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Placing one tablet under the tongue every 5 minutes for 30 minutes is incorrect. The correct protocol is one tablet every 5 minutes for up to 15 minutes (total of 3 tablets).
Choice D rationale
Nitroglycerin does not decrease chest pain by dissolving blood clots. It works by dilating blood vessels and increasing oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Anginal pain typically lasts less than 20 minutes. If chest pain exceeds this duration, it may suggest myocardial infarction or another severe cardiac event rather than stable angina pectoris.
Choice B rationale
Exertion increases myocardial oxygen demand, while anxiety triggers a sympathetic response, both of which can precipitate anginal pain due to the heart's inability to meet increased oxygen requirements.
Choice C rationale
Angina pectoris usually resolves with rest or administration of nitrates, which dilate coronary arteries and improve blood flow. Persistent pain may indicate unstable angina or myocardial infarction.
Choice D rationale
Anginal pain is often relieved by rest and the use of nitrates, not necessarily by changes in posture such as sitting up. This is more characteristic of pulmonary or pleuritic pain. .
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