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?
The heart's electrical transmission through the atrioventricular (AV) node is unusually slow.
The heart's electrical signals are rapid, chaotic, and irregular.
An early electrical signal occurs before the expected sinoatrial (SA) node signal.
The SA node sends an electrical signal greater than 100/min.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Myopia: Myopia refers to nearsightedness, which is caused by refractive errors in the eye and is not associated with Meniere's disease. Myopia results in difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
B. Vertigo: Vertigo is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease and is caused by an excessive accumulation of endolymph fluid in the inner ear. Vertigo presents as a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and imbalance.
C. Photophobia: Photophobia refers to sensitivity to light, which can be associated with various eye conditions but is not a typical manifestation of Meniere's disease. Photophobia may occur in conditions such as migraine headaches or certain eye infections.
D. Presbycusis: Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, which typically occurs gradually over time and is not directly associated with Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease is characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Synchronized electrical cardioversion: Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure used to restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. However, it is not typically indicated for all patients with worsening heart failure and arrhythmias.
B. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): CRT, also known as biventricular pacing, involves the placement of a specialized pacemaker device to improve the coordination of contractions between the heart's chambers. It is often used in patients with heart failure and arrhythmias to help regulate the rhythm and improve cardiac function.
C. Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention: Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention, such as angioplasty or stent placement, is used to treat coronary artery disease by opening narrowed or blocked blood vessels. While coronary artery disease may contribute to heart failure, this procedure specifically targets the coronary arteries rather than arrhythmias.
D. Echocardiogram : An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. While an echocardiogram may provide valuable information about the heart's condition in a patient with heart failure and arrhythmias, it is not a procedure used to regulate the rhythm directly.
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