A patient has been diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis. The nurse recognizes the need for antibiotic therapy to help prevent the development of which serious condition

A. An ECG is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart. While it can provide valuable information about heart rhythm and detect signs of ischemia or other cardiac abnormalities, it is not the most specific test for diagnosing cardiac tamponade.
B. An echocardiogram is the most specific and preferred diagnostic test for cardiac tamponade. It uses ultrasound waves to visualize the heart and the pericardial space, allowing the provider to detect the presence and amount of fluid in the pericardial sac. It can also assess the effects of the fluid on heart function, such as diastolic filling impairment.
C. A CT scan can be useful in diagnosing cardiac tamponade, especially if there is a need to assess the pericardial space in detail or if there is a concern about other underlying conditions. However, it is not typically the first test ordered for tamponade.
D. A chest x-ray can reveal signs of cardiac tamponade, such as an enlarged cardiac silhouette if the fluid accumulation is significant. It is useful for initial evaluation and to rule out other causes of symptoms, but it is not as definitive as an echocardiogram

A. Digoxin is a medication used primarily to treat heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. It works by increasing the force of heart contractions and slowing the heart rate. However, digoxin is not typically used to treat bradycardia and may actually exacerbate the condition by further slowing the heart rate.
B. While monitoring is an essential part of patient care, it is not sufficient alone in this situation. The client’s heart rate is very low (45 beats per minute) and their blood pressure is low (82/60 mm Hg), which suggests they are symptomatic and potentially unstable.
C. Defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It is not used for sinus bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate rather than a rapid, disorganized rhythm requiring electrical shock.

D. Transcutaneous pacing involves applying external pacing pads to the skin to stimulate the heart and increase the heart rate. This is a suitable intervention for symptomatic bradycardia, especially when accompanied by low blood pressure and dizziness.