A nurse is caring for a client who has developed a heart rate of 38/min and reports tremors and feeling faint. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
Magnesium sulfate
Digoxin
Atropine sulfate
Diltiazem
The Correct Answer is C
This is because the client is experiencing bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate of less than 60/min. Bradycardia can cause decreased cardiac output, which can lead to symptoms such as tremors, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypotension. Some causes of bradycardia are sinus node dysfunction, atrioventricular block, medication side effects, hypothyroidism, hypothermia, and increased vagal tone.
The nurse should anticipate administering atropine sulfate, which is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of the vagus nerve on the heart and increases the heart rate and conduction. Atropine sulfate is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia and can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and response to the medication. The nurse should also prepare for other interventions, such as transcutaneous pacing or permanent pacemaker insertion, if atropine sulfate is ineffective or contraindicated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client should expect less than 25 mL of secretions per day in the drainage devices before they are removed, usually within 7 to 10 days after surgery. This indicates that the wound is healing and there is no excessive fluid accumulation in the surgical site. The other statements are incorrect and indicate a need for further teaching. The client should not wait 2 months before additional saline can be added to the breast expander, as this may delay the reconstruction process and increase the risk of infection or contracture.
The client should keep the left arm elevated on a pillow and avoid flexing it at the elbow, as this may impair lymphatic drainage and cause edema or pain. The client should perform gentle range-of-motion exercises with the left arm and avoid lifting heavy objects such as a 15-pound weight, as this may strain the incision or cause bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
To assess a client for a positive Chvostek’s sign, the nurse should tap gently on the cheek, specifically two centimeters in front of the ear, over the facial nerve (also known as CN VII). This test is used to check for hypocalcemia, a condition that can lead to tetany, which is the involuntary contraction of muscles. A twitch of the facial muscles in response to this tapping indicates a positive Chvostek’s sign. This is particularly relevant following a thyroidectomy, as the procedure can indirectly affect the parathyroid glands, potentially leading to hypocalcemia
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