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. While this is a good safety measure for any client, it doesn't address the specific issue of homonymous hemianopsia.
B. This can be helpful for clients with motor difficulties but does not address the visual impairment.
C. Since the client has a right-sided stroke and homonymous hemianopsia, they will likely miss food on the left side of their tray. Reminding them to scan that area can help prevent them from missing food.
D. While this might seem logical, it doesn't address the underlying issue of the client's visual impairment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Atrial fibrillation is consistent with the symptoms described. It causes irregular palpitations and dizziness due to the rapid and irregular ventricular rate. The significant pulse deficit can occur because the irregular rhythm may lead to intermittent weak or absent pulses. The ECG typically shows an irregular rhythm with no identifiable P waves and an irregularly irregular ventricular response.
B. Sinus bradycardia does not usually cause a rapid and irregular heart rate. It is characterized by a regular rhythm with a slow heart rate. While it can cause fatigue and dizziness, it does not typically present with an irregular rhythm or a significant pulse deficit. Therefore, it is less consistent with the symptoms described.
C. Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a rapid but regular heart rate. It does not typically present with an irregular rhythm or significant pulse deficit. While it may cause symptoms such as palpitations and
dizziness, the regular rhythm and absence of irregularity in the ECG make it less likely to be the cause of the significant irregular pulse deficit described.
D. First-degree AV block does not usually cause a rapid and irregular heart rate. It typically presents with a regular rhythm but with a prolonged PR interval. It is not typically associated with irregular palpitations or a significant pulse deficit. The symptoms described are not characteristic of first-degree AV block.
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