A nurse on a telemetry unit is assessing a client who is receiving continuous cardiac monitoring. The client's heart rate is 69/min and the PR interval is 0.24 seconds. The nurse should interpret this finding as which of the following cardiac rhythms?

The correct answer is choice C. Determine the client’s Glasgow Coma Scale score. This is because the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a tool to assess the level of consciousness and neurological status of a client who has a closed head injury. The GCS score can help guide the priority of interventions and the need for further diagnostic tests.

Choice A is wrong because an MRI of the brain is not the first action to take for a client who has a closed head injury. An MRI may be indicated later to evaluate the extent of brain damage, but it is not an emergency procedure.

Choice B is wrong because mannitol IV bolus is a medication that reduces intracranial pressure (ICP) by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue. However, mannitol should not be administered before confirming the presence and degree of increased ICP, which can be done by measuring the GCS score and other vital signs.

Choice D is wrong because inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for the client is not the first action to take for a client who has a closed head injury. A urinary catheter may be needed to monitor fluid balance and renal function, but it is not an urgent intervention.

Answer and explanation.

The correct answer is choice D. Herpes zoster is a contraindication for receiving acupuncture treatment because it is an infectious skin disorder that can be transmitted by needles or contact with the affected area. Acupuncture should not be performed on areas of skin that are inflamed, ulcerated, or have sensory deficit.

Choice A is wrong because hypertension is not a contraindication for acupuncture. However, some caution is advised when needling points that may lower blood pressure, such as LI 4, LI 11, ST 36, and SP 6.

Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism is not a contraindication for acupuncture. In fact, some studies suggest that acupuncture may have beneficial effects on thyroid function and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Choice C is wrong because obesity is not a contraindication for acupuncture.

Acupuncture may help with weight loss by regulating appetite, metabolism, and hormones.

Some of the absolute contraindications for acupuncture include pregnancy (especially certain points that may induce labor or abortion), medical and surgical emergencies, malignant tumors, bleeding disorders, and use of a demand pacemaker. Some of the relative contraindications include drug or alcohol intoxication, lack of consent, immune deficiency, abnormal heart valves, and fear of needles.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic and diastolic pressure respectively.

Normal ranges for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L.

Normal ranges for body mass index (BMI) are 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2.