A nurse is caring for a 58-year-old male client in the emergency department (ED) who presents with an irregular pulse and elevated blood pressure.
The nurse is planning care for the client. For each potential prescription, indicate whether it is indicated, nonessential, or contraindicated.
Administer O2 to maintain oxygen saturation greater than 90%.
Prepare the client for intubation.
Apply continuous ECG monitoring.
Obtain the client’s family history.
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}
Rationales:
- Administer O2 to maintain oxygen saturation greater than 90%: This prescription is indicated. Hypoxia can exacerbate cardiac and respiratory issues, so it is essential to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood. Supplemental oxygen can help improve tissue oxygenation and reduce strain on the heart.
- Apply continuous ECG monitoring: This prescription is indicated. Continuous ECG monitoring is crucial in detecting arrhythmias and ischemic changes in a patient with cardiac symptoms and irregular pulse. Early detection allows for timely intervention and management of potentially life-threatening cardiac events.
- Obtain the client’s family history: This prescription is nonessential. While obtaining a family history is useful for identifying potential genetic predispositions to cardiac and metabolic conditions, it is not immediately necessary for the acute management of the client’s current symptoms.
- Prepare the client for intubation: This prescription is contraindicated. The client is currently maintaining an adequate respiratory rate and oxygen saturation on room air. There is no indication of respiratory failure or inability to maintain airway patency. Intubation would be an unnecessarily invasive procedure at this time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A QRS duration of 0.30 seconds is abnormally long. The normal QRS duration is 0.06 to 0.12 seconds, indicating this is not normal sinus rhythm.
Choice B rationale
An inverted T wave is not a characteristic of normal sinus rhythm. It may indicate ischemia or other cardiac abnormalities.
Choice C rationale
A P-R interval of 0.32 seconds is prolonged. The normal P-R interval is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, thus indicating an abnormal rhythm.
Choice D rationale
The P wave falling before the QRS complex is a key characteristic of normal sinus rhythm, representing the orderly conduction of electrical impulses from atria to ventricles. .
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Choice A - Indicated:
- Administering oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation >94% is recommended in suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to prevent myocardial hypoxia.
- Oxygen therapy is not routinely given if SpO₂ is ≥94%, but if there are signs of hypoxia, respiratory distress, or low saturation, it is appropriate.
Choice B - Contraindicated:
- Intubation is not indicated unless the patient has severe respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure.
- This client is not in respiratory failure (no severe dyspnea, altered consciousness, or worsening hypoxia).
Choice C - Indicated:
- Continuous ECG monitoring is essential in suspected ACS to detect arrhythmias, ischemia, and ST changes.
- ECG findings will guide early intervention, including medication administration (e.g., aspirin, nitroglycerin) or reperfusion therapy.
Choice D - Nonessential:
- Family history of cardiovascular disease is important for risk assessment but is not a priority in an acute setting.
- While it can help with long-term management, immediate interventions (oxygen, ECG, medications) take precedence.
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