A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation. In addition to an antidysrhythmic, what medication does the nurse plan to administer?

Warfarin

Atropine

Dobutamine

Magnesium sulfate

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Warfarin is an anticoagulant commonly used in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent the formation of blood clots. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke due to the potential for blood clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain. Warfarin helps reduce this risk by thinning the blood and preventing clot formation.

Choice B reason: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and is not typically used for patients with atrial fibrillation. Its primary function is to increase the heart rate by blocking the vagus nerve's effects on the heart. In the context of atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation is more crucial to prevent complications like stroke.

Choice C reason: Dobutamine is an inotropic agent used to increase cardiac output in patients with heart failure or cardiogenic shock. It is not used for managing atrial fibrillation. Dobutamine works by stimulating the heart to pump more effectively but does not address the risks associated with atrial fibrillation, such as blood clot formation.

Choice D reason: Magnesium sulfate is used to treat various conditions, including torsades de pointes (a type of abnormal heart rhythm) and severe asthma attacks. It is not typically used for atrial fibrillation. The focus in atrial fibrillation management is on controlling the heart rate or rhythm and preventing thromboembolic complications with anticoagulation therapy.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: An increase in urine output to 35 mL/hr is the best indication of improved perfusion. Urine output is a direct measure of kidney function and perfusion. When the kidneys receive adequate blood flow, they are able to produce urine. An increase in urine output indicates that the patient's kidneys are being perfused more effectively, which is a reliable sign of overall improved perfusion status.

Choice B reason: A decrease in heart rate to 105 beats/min is a positive sign, as it indicates a reduction in the stress response and an improvement in hemodynamic status. However, it is not as direct an indicator of improved perfusion as urine output. Heart rate can be influenced by many factors, and while a lower heart rate is generally a good sign, it does not specifically indicate improved organ perfusion.

Choice C reason: An increase in systolic blood pressure to 85 mmHg is an indication of improved hemodynamic stability, but it is not as sensitive a measure of perfusion as urine output. Blood pressure provides information about the pressure within the arteries but does not directly indicate how well the organs and tissues are being perfused.

Choice D reason: A decrease in right atrial pressure is not typically an indicator of improved perfusion. Right atrial pressure reflects the pressure in the right atrium of the heart, which can be influenced by various factors, including fluid status and cardiac function. It is not a direct measure of perfusion to vital organs and tissues.

A. Respirations are labored and shallow. B. PaO2 50 mmHg. C. PaCO2 32 mmHg. D. Respiratory rate 32 breaths/min.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Labored and shallow respirations indicate that the patient is struggling to breathe and may not be ventilating effectively. This can quickly lead to respiratory fatigue and failure, and it requires immediate intervention to support the patient's airway and breathing.

Choice B reason: A PaO2 level of 50 mmHg is significantly low, indicating hypoxemia. This is concerning and requires attention, but the immediate visual and tactile signs of labored and shallow breathing take precedence as they are indicative of the patient's overall respiratory effort and ability to maintain adequate ventilation.

Choice C reason: A PaCO2 level of 32 mmHg is low and suggests hyperventilation. While this finding is important, it is not as immediately critical as labored and shallow respirations, which can quickly deteriorate into complete respiratory failure.

Choice D reason: A respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. However, the quality of respirations (labored and shallow) is a more immediate concern as it directly affects the patient's ability to ventilate and oxygenate effectively.

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A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation. In addition to an antidysrhythmic, what medication does the nurse plan to administer?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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