A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?
"I will be placing some electrodes on your chest and extremities."
"Be sure to remain still once I have attached the gel pads."
"You might feel some slight pressure during the procedure."
"The test will be complete in a few minutes."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason : This instruction is accurate because for a standard 12-lead ECG, electrodes are placed on the patient's chest and extremities to record the electrical activity of the heart. The placement of these electrodes is crucial for accurate readings and diagnosis. The electrodes do not emit electricity; they merely record and measure the electrical activity in your heart, providing essential information to the medical provider.
Choice B reason : Remaining still during an ECG is important to prevent artifacts that can interfere with the interpretation of the heart's electrical activity. Movement can cause the readings to be inaccurate, which is why patients are advised to remain still once the electrodes are in place.
Choice C reason : While the client might feel some pressure from the electrodes, the term 'tingling' is not accurate as the ECG is a painless procedure. The electrodes may cause mild irritation upon the skin, but there is otherwise no sensation associated with the test itself.
Choice D reason : The duration of the test is indeed short, typically only a few minutes, but this is not the primary instruction. The nurse should first inform the client about the electrode placement, which is essential for the procedure. The ECG will only take a few minutes in total once the procedure is underway, not counting equipment set-up time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Walking is a highly beneficial activity for individuals with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). It helps improve circulation, which can be compromised in PVD due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Regular walking can lead to the development of collateral circulation, which is the formation of new blood vessels that bypass the blockages and improve blood flow to the affected areas. This can help alleviate symptoms such as pain and cramping during walking, known as claudication. Walking should be done at a pace that is comfortable and should be stopped if pain occurs. Over time, walking can increase the distance a person with PVD can walk without pain.
Choice B reason: Compression stockings are often recommended for individuals with PVD to help improve blood flow. Knee-length stockings exert pressure on the lower legs, helping to reduce edema and discomfort associated with PVD. They can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis, a potential complication of PVD.
Choice C reason: Elevating the legs can help reduce swelling and improve venous return in clients with PVD. It is recommended to elevate the legs above the level of the heart to maximize the effect. This can be done by placing pillows under the legs while lying down.
Choice D reason: Shopping for shoes in the morning is advised because feet can swell throughout the day, especially in clients with PVD. Fitting shoes in the morning can help ensure a more accurate fit, reducing the risk of pressure points that could lead to skin breakdown and ulcers.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : A fixed volume deficit, or hypovolemia, is not a direct finding associated with bradycardia. Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute in adults⁸. Hypovolemia can cause various compensatory mechanisms to activate, including an increase in heart rate to maintain cardiac output, which is the opposite of bradycardia. Therefore, a fixed volume deficit is not a typical finding in bradycardia unless it is part of a broader clinical picture⁹.
Choice B reason : Anxiety is a condition that can sometimes lead to an increased heart rate, known as tachycardia, rather than a decreased heart rate as seen in bradycardia. While anxiety can coexist with bradycardia, especially if the patient is anxious about their health, it is not a direct symptom or finding of bradycardia itself⁹.
Choice C reason : Lightheadedness is a common symptom of bradycardia. When the heart rate is too slow, it may lead to inadequate cerebral perfusion, which can cause a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. This symptom can be particularly evident when the patient changes positions, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate the effects of reduced cardiac output on cerebral blood flow⁸⁹.
Choice D reason : An elevated temperature is not typically associated with bradycardia. Fever can actually lead to an increased heart rate as the body attempts to manage the higher metabolic demands associated with a raised temperature. Bradycardia in the presence of fever might indicate a more complex clinical scenario, such as myocarditis or central nervous system infections, but it is not a direct finding of bradycardia⁹.
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