A nurse is caring for a 62-year-old female client on the telemetry unit.
A nurse is assisting with obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) for a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure a good ECG tracing? (Select all that apply.)
Verify electrode placement
Ensure skin is clean and dry
Instruct client not to move during test
Keep client NPO
Administer sedation
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale:
Proper electrode placement is essential for obtaining an accurate ECG tracing. Misplaced electrodes can cause misinterpretation of the cardiac rhythm, particularly in clients with known arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Correct anatomical positioning of leads ensures reliable assessment of atrial and ventricular activity and allows accurate diagnosis and treatment planning by the provider.
Choice B rationale:
Ensuring the skin is clean and dry improves electrode adhesion and reduces electrical interference. Oily, sweaty, or moist skin increases resistance and results in artifact or poor-quality tracings. Cleaning the skin with alcohol and allowing it to dry before attaching electrodes minimizes artifact and enhances signal conduction between the skin and electrodes.
Choice C rationale:
Client movement during an ECG causes artifacts that may obscure the heart rhythm or mimic arrhythmias, complicating interpretation. Instructing the client to remain still ensures a clearer and more accurate representation of cardiac electrical activity. This is especially important when assessing for atrial fibrillation, where irregular rhythms must be clearly observed.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is unnecessary for a standard ECG. ECG is a non-invasive procedure that does not require sedation, anesthesia, or fasting. Unless the client is scheduled for procedures requiring NPO status, food and fluids do not interfere with ECG testing or electrode function.
Choice E rationale:
Incorrect. Routine ECGs do not require sedation. The client is awake and cooperative, and sedation could mask symptoms, depress respiration, or alter heart rate, compromising the accuracy of the tracing. Sedation is only used during specific procedures (e.g., transesophageal echocardiogram or cardioversion), not standard surface ECG.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A family history of breast cancer, particularly in first-degree relatives, significantly increases an individual's risk due to the potential inheritance of genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes play crucial roles in DNA repair, and their mutation impairs this function, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and increased cancer susceptibility.
Choice B rationale
Increased alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Alcohol metabolism produces acetaldehyde, a genotoxic compound, and also elevates estrogen levels. Both mechanisms contribute to cellular DNA damage and promote cell proliferation, thereby increasing the risk of malignant transformation in mammary tissue.
Choice C rationale
Breastfeeding is scientifically recognized as a protective factor against breast cancer. The physiological changes during lactation, including terminal differentiation of mammary epithelial cells and reduced lifetime exposure to estrogen, decrease the risk of malignant transformation. Longer durations of breastfeeding correlate with greater risk reduction.
Choice D rationale
Early menarche, defined as the onset of menstruation before age 12, increases a woman's lifetime exposure to estrogen. Estrogen is a key hormone in breast tissue development and proliferation. Prolonged exposure to higher estrogen levels throughout reproductive life is associated with an elevated risk of developing breast cancer due to increased cell division.
Choice E rationale
The use of oral contraceptives has been linked to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, particularly current or recent use. These contraceptives contain exogenous hormones, primarily estrogen and progestin, which can influence mammary gland proliferation. The risk generally decreases over time after discontinuation of oral contraceptive use.
Choice F rationale
Late menopause, occurring after age 55, extends the duration of a woman's exposure to endogenous estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate breast cell growth and division. A longer period of ovarian hormone activity means more cumulative cell divisions and greater opportunity for genetic mutations, thus increasing breast cancer risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Carrots, green leafy vegetables, and a pear are generally good choices for chronic renal disease. Carrots are relatively low in potassium, green leafy vegetables, while some are high in potassium, can be managed with portion control and specific preparation methods, and pears are low in potassium and phosphorus. This selection demonstrates an understanding of limiting electrolytes.
Choice B rationale
Cold cuts are typically high in sodium and phosphorus due to processing and preservatives, which are detrimental for clients with chronic renal disease. Blueberries are a good choice as they are low in potassium and phosphorus, but the cold cuts make this choice unsuitable due to their high sodium and phosphorus content.
Choice C rationale
Spaghetti with meat sauce often contains high levels of phosphorus and sodium. Meat can be high in phosphorus, and sauces may contain added sodium. Breadsticks can also contribute significant sodium. These components exceed the recommended dietary restrictions for renal disease patients.
Choice D rationale
A hamburger on a bun can be high in phosphorus and sodium, especially if processed. Bananas are notoriously high in potassium, a critical electrolyte that clients with chronic renal disease often need to restrict to prevent hyperkalemia due to impaired renal excretion. This choice is therefore inappropriate.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
