A nurse is caring for a client who develops third-degree heart block with a heart rate of 30/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer digoxin by IV bolus.
Prepare the client for temporary pacing.
Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver.
Perform carotid sinus massage.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administer digoxin by IV bolus: Digoxin slows conduction through the AV node and can worsen a complete heart block. It is contraindicated in this condition and may lead to further bradycardia or cardiac arrest.
B. Prepare the client for temporary pacing:Third-degree (complete) heart block results in electrical dissociation between atria and ventricles, leading to dangerously low heart rates and inadequate perfusion. The definitive treatment is temporary pacing to stabilize the cardiac rhythm until permanent pacing can be arranged.
C. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver: This maneuver is used to terminate supraventricular tachycardias by stimulating the vagus nerve. It is not indicated in bradyarrhythmias like third-degree heart block and could further lower the heart rate.
D. Perform carotid sinus massage: This is another vagal maneuver used to treat tachycardias, not bradycardias. Performing it in a client with third-degree heart block could dangerously reduce the heart rate further and is therefore inappropriate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metabolic alkalosis: In metabolic alkalosis, the pH is elevated (above 7.45), and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is increased (above 28 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is low (7.12), and HCO3 is low (20 mEq/L), which is not consistent with alkalosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis: In metabolic acidosis, the pH is low (below 7.35), and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is low (below 21 mEq/L), which is consistent with the client's ABG values (pH 7.12, HCO3 20 mEq/L). This suggests the client has metabolic acidosis, which is common in chronic kidney failure due to impaired excretion of acid and decreased bicarbonate.
C. Respiratory acidosis: In respiratory acidosis, the pH is low, and the PaCO2 is elevated (above 45 mm Hg). The PaCO2 in this client is within the normal range (40 mm Hg), making respiratory acidosis unlikely.
D. Respiratory alkalosis: In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be high, and the PaCO2 would be low (below 35 mm Hg). The client's pH is low (7.12), and the PaCO2 is normal, so respiratory alkalosis is not present.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Place a mask on the client during the procedure: A mask should be placed on the client to reduce the risk of infection during the dressing change. Peritoneal dialysis involves accessing the peritoneal cavity, and maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to prevent contamination.
B. Cleanse the catheter site using a side-to-side motion: The catheter site should be cleansed using a circular motion starting from the site of insertion and moving outward. This helps avoid introducing bacteria into the insertion site. Side-to-side motion may push bacteria into the area.
C. Tape down the corners of the dressing: While securing the dressing is important, taping the corners may not provide the optimal seal and could risk introducing contaminants. The dressing should be secured properly, but not necessarily with just tape at the corners.
D. Secure an occlusive dressing over the gauze pads: An occlusive dressing over gauze pads is not ideal for peritoneal dialysis catheters. A sterile, breathable dressing is recommended to allow for proper airflow and prevent moisture accumulation, which can promote infection.
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