A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Despite medication therapy aimed at correcting the dysrhythmia, the patient has consistently remained in atrial fibrillation for several days. Which of the following interventions would the nurse expect to be ordered for this client?
Emergency defibrillation
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
Anticoagulant therapy
Diuretic therapy
The Correct Answer is C
A. Defibrillation is not typically indicated for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation involves disorganized electrical activity in the atria rather than a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, emergency defibrillation is not appropriate for a client with persistent atrial fibrillation.
B. CABG is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked coronary arteries. It is primarily indicated for clients with significant coronary artery disease that cannot be managed effectively with medications or less invasive
C. Anticoagulant therapy, such as with medications like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), is crucial for clients with atrial fibrillation. AFib predisposes individuals to an increased risk of stroke due to the potential formation of blood clots in the atria. Anticoagulants help prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of stroke.
D. Diuretics are medications that increase urine output and are often used to manage fluid overload or congestion in conditions such as heart failure or volume overload. However, diuretic therapy alone does not address the underlying rhythm abnormality of atrial fibrillation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Medicare does cover individuals under 65 years old who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and meet certain criteria.
B. There are programs that allow individuals with both Medicare and low income to qualify for Medicaid, which can help cover additional healthcare costs that Medicare may not fully cover.
C. While Medicare does provide significant coverage for healthcare services, it is not entirely free of out- of-pocket costs. Medicare Part A typically covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care services with no premiums for most people.
D. Medicare is indeed federally-funded health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. It also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities and those with ESRD.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Atrial flutter typically presents with a regular atrial rate (usually around 250-350 beats per minute) and a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern of flutter waves (F-waves) on the ECG. This condition would not present with irregular ventricular rates and is less likely based on the ECG findings described.
B. Atrial fibrillation is identified by an irregularly irregular rhythm and the absence of P-waves on the ECG, which is replaced by erratic activity.
C. Unstable angina presents with chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, usually related to atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion. It does not cause the ECG findings described (absence of P-waves and irregular ventricular rate).
D. PACs are early atrial depolarizations that can cause palpitations but do not typically result in the absence of P-waves or irregular ventricular rates as described in the scenario.
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