A nurse is providing care for a client following a cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Which of the following alterations are causes of PEA? (Select All that Apply.)

Hypertension

Hypovolemia

Hypoxia

Hyperkalemia

Hypernatremia

Hyperthermia

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,D

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) refers to a situation in which an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows electrical activity in the heart, but there is no effective mechanical activity and no palpable pulse. PEA can result from various underlying conditions that impair cardiac function or compromise circulation.

A. Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction, it is not a direct cause of PEA.

B. Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, is a common cause of PEA. Reduced circulating blood volume leads to decreased preload and inadequate filling of the heart chambers, impairing cardiac output. This can result in ineffective cardiac contractions and the development of PEA.

C. Hypoxia: Hypoxia, or inadequate oxygenation of tissues, is a significant cause of PEA. Insufficient oxygen delivery to the myocardium impairs cardiac function and can lead to ineffective cardiac contractions. Without adequate oxygenation, the heart is unable to generate sufficient mechanical force to maintain circulation, resulting in PEA.

D. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, or elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can cause PEA by disrupting cardiac electrical activity. Excessive potassium ions in the extracellular fluid alter the normal myocardial action potential, leading to cardiac conduction abnormalities and potential arrhythmias, including PEA.

E. Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated levels of sodium in the blood, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms and dehydration, it does not directly impair cardiac electrical activity or mechanical function to the extent that it causes PEA.

F. Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While extreme hyperthermia can lead to cardiovascular complications such as heat stroke, it is not a common cause of PEA unless it is associated with severe systemic metabolic derangements.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A CT angiogram will reveal any edema within the brain tissue: CT angiography primarily focuses on visualizing blood vessels and blood flow within the brain. While it may incidentally detect areas of edema, its primary purpose is to assess vascular structures rather than brain tissue changes such as edema.

B. A CT angiogram will reveal any overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): CT angiography does not assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Its main function is to visualize blood vessels and blood flow within the brain, particularly to detect abnormalities such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or vasospasm.

C. A CT angiogram will reveal any fractures within the skull or spine: CT angiography primarily focuses on imaging blood vessels and is not the preferred modality for detecting fractures within the skull or spine. CT scans or plain radiography are typically used to assess bony structures for fractures.

D. A CT angiogram will reveal any decreased blood flow related to vasospasm: This statement is correct. CT angiography is a specialized imaging technique that combines computed tomography (CT) scanning with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels and blood flow within the brain. It is commonly used to detect and monitor vasospasm, a potentially serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage, where blood vessels in the brain constrict, leading to decreased blood flow. CT angiography allows for the visualization of these changes in blood vessel diameter and blood flow dynamics.

A. The heart's electrical transmission through the atrioventricular (AV) node is unusually slow. B. The heart's electrical signals are rapid, chaotic, and irregular. C. An early electrical signal occurs before the expected sinoatrial (SA) node signal. D. The SA node sends an electrical signal greater than 100/min.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The heart's electrical transmission through the atrioventricular (AV) node is unusually slow: This statement does not align with the manifestations of dizziness and palpitations in atrial fibrillation. A slow conduction through the AV node would typically manifest as bradycardia or heart block rather than rapid and irregular palpitations.

B. The heart's electrical signals are rapid, chaotic, and irregular: This is the correct answer. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid, chaotic, and irregular electrical signals in the atria, leading to ineffective atrial contractions and an irregular ventricular response. The irregularity and rapidity of the heart rate can lead to symptoms such as palpitations and dizziness.

C. An early electrical signal occurs before the expected sinoatrial (SA) node signal: This statement does not accurately describe the mechanism of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation involves disorganized electrical activity in the atria, rather than a single early electrical signal.

D. The SA node sends an electrical signal greater than 100/min: While a heart rate greater than 100/min (tachycardia) is commonly associated with atrial fibrillation, this statement does not fully explain the manifestations of dizziness and palpitations. These symptoms are more directly related to the irregularity and chaotic nature of the heart's electrical signals in atrial fibrillation.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is providing care for a client following a cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Which of the following alterations are causes of PEA? (Select All that Apply.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage and asks why they are having a CT angiography. Which of the following should the nurse understand about CT angiography?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports dizziness and palpitations. Which of the following should the nurse understand is the cause of these manifestations?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse and a newly licensed nurse are providing care for a client who has distributive shock. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of distributive shock to the newly licensed nurse?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports heart palpitations, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Which of the following procedures should the nurse anticipate for this client?

A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following blood test results should the nurse anticipate? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is teaching a group of clients about the specific types of fluids that protect the structures of the inner ear. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

The nurse is assisting with planning care for a client who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Which of the following relates to a high mortality rate for a client who has an SAH?

A nurse is assessing a client who has valvular dysfunction. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse anticipate? (Select All That Apply)

A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to this client? (Select All That Apply)

The spouse of an older client experiencing delirium is at the client's bedside. The nurse is providing an update to the spouse regarding the client's plan of care. Which of the following responses by the spouse indicates a need for further teaching?