A nurse is caring for a client who reports shortness of breath and heart palpitations. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing ventricular tachycardia (VT). The nurse palpates a rapid carotid pulse with a blood pressure of 70/30, and the client reports feeling dizzy. The nurse should anticipate the need for which priority action?

Initiate external pacing.

Initiate CPR.

Defibrillation.

Synchronized cardioversion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. External pacing is not indicated for ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. Pacing is typically used for bradyarrhythmias.
B. CPR is only necessary if the client is pulseless. Since the client has a pulse, a more appropriate intervention is needed.
C. Defibrillation is used for pulseless VT or ventricular fibrillation, but this client has a pulse and is symptomatic.
D. Synchronized cardioversion is the appropriate intervention for unstable ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. The shock is synchronized to the R wave to prevent inducing ventricular fibrillation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Pruritus is not a common side effect of heparin therapy. While allergic reactions can occur, they are not the primary concern.
B. Petechiae are a sign of bleeding, which is a major side effect of heparin therapy. Heparin increases the risk of bleeding by inhibiting clot formation, and petechiae may indicate early signs of hemorrhage.
C. Confusion is not directly associated with heparin therapy unless it results from severe bleeding leading to hypoxia or shock.
D. A slowing pulse rate is not a known adverse effect of heparin. Instead, monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, and petechiae, is the priority.

A. Avoid sick contacts B. You will require prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures. C. You can discontinue your antibiotics once you start feeling better. D. Avoid physical activity for the next six months to allow your heart to heal completely.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Avoiding sick contacts is generally a good practice, but it is not the primary concern for a client with infective endocarditis. The focus is on preventing bacterial infections that could enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves.
B. Prophylactic antibiotics are required before dental and invasive procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis recurrence. The bacteria that cause infective endocarditis can enter the bloodstream through procedures that involve mucosal surfaces.
C. Discontinuing antibiotics when feeling better is incorrect. Infective endocarditis requires a full course of IV antibiotics, often lasting 4 to 6 weeks, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent complications.
D. Avoiding physical activity for six months is unnecessary unless the client has severe cardiac complications. However, clients should monitor for symptoms such as fatigue and consult their provider before engaging in strenuous activities.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous heparin therapy for deep vein thrombosis. The nurse evaluates for side effects of this drug by observing for:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client diagnosed with infective endocarditis with vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in an urgent care center is assessing a client who reports a sudden onset of irregular palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness. The nurse finds a rapid and irregular heart rate with a significant pulse deficit. Which of the following dysrhythmias should the nurse expect to find on the ECG?

Identify the following Cardiac Rhythm:

A nurse is providing care and education to a client after an acute myocardial infarction. Which of the following statements should the nurse make regarding cardiac enzyme studies?

A Nurse is preparing to start a heparin drip on a client with acute coronary syndrome. Ordered: Give Heparin 1000 units per hour, standard dilution of 25,000 units in 250 mL of normal saline. What is the correct drip setting for the pump in mL/hr?

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and has a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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