A nurse is caring for a client who reports heart palpitations that come and go. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The client is stable. The nurse should anticipate the need for taking which of the following actions?
Elective cardioversion
CPR
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
Defibrillation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Elective cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart. It is generally used for patients with stable atrial or ventricular arrhythmias who do not respond to medication. In the case of stable VT, elective cardioversion might be considered if the arrhythmia is causing symptoms or if the patient’s condition changes
B. CPR is an emergency procedure used when a person’s heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest) or when they are not breathing. It is not indicated for a stable VT because the patient is still stable and conscious, and CPR is not used for arrhythmias like VT in a stable patient.
C. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a procedure used to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause arrhythmias. This is often used as a treatment for recurrent or persistent VT, especially if medication or cardioversion fails to manage the condition effectively. For a stable patient with VT, this treatment might be considered in the long-term management plan rather than as an immediate intervention.
D. Defibrillation is the use of an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of life- threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless VT. It is not used for stable VT because the patient still has a pulse and is not in immediate danger of cardiac arrest
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Pacemaker spikes with each T wave indicates a malfunctioning pacemaker.
B. Pacemaker spikes before each P wave would indicate atrial pacing, not ventricular pacing.
C. A ventricular pacemaker stimulates the ventricles to contract, so the pacing spike should precede the QRS complex.
D. Pacemaker spikes after each QRS complex would indicate a malfunctioning pacemaker.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. amiodarone is a medication used to treat ventricular fibrillation administered after defibrillation.
B. Epinephrine is also used in cardiac arrest, but it is administered after unsuccessful defibrillation attempts.
C. Defibrillation is the immediate life-saving intervention for ventricular fibrillation. It delivers a high- energy shock to the heart to try to restore normal rhythm.
D. While important in cardiac arrest, it is not the immediate priority. Defibrillation takes precedence.
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