A patient with a sinus node dysfunction has a permanent pacemaker inserted. Before discharge, what should the nurse include when teaching the patient?

Avoid direct blows to the chest.

Start lifting the arm above the shoulder right away to prevent a "frozen shoulder".

Avoid cooking with microwave ovens.

Use mild analgesics to control the chest spasms caused by the pacing current.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   The pacemaker and its leads are implanted in the chest area, and direct blows or trauma to this area can potentially dislodge the leads or damage the pacemaker. Patients should be advised to avoid activities that could result in trauma to the chest to protect the pacemaker and ensure its proper function.
B.   Patients are generally advised to avoid lifting the arm on the side of the pacemaker above shoulder level for a period (usually about 4-6 weeks) to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Early lifting of the arm might dislodge the pacemaker leads or cause other issues. Exercises and range-of- motion activities are typically started under guidance once the initial healing period is over.

C.   Modern pacemakers are designed to be shielded against common household electrical appliances, including microwave ovens. Patients with pacemakers do not need to avoid using microwave ovens, as there is no significant risk of interference from these devices.
D.   Mild analgesics might be used for discomfort or pain in some cases, but the notion that chest spasms are caused by the pacing current is generally incorrect. Pacemakers are designed to be non-intrusive and should not cause spasm-like sensations if functioning correctly.

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 C

Explanation

A. Occasional hiccups are not a common side effect of having a pacemaker. However, some patients may experience hiccups if the pacemaker’s lead irritates the diaphragm or other nearby structures. While hiccups are not a primary concern, they are not a standard expectation for all patients.
B. There is no need to disconnect a garage door opener due to having a pacemaker. Modern pacemakers are designed to be shielded from interference caused by common household electronic devices. The statement indicates a misunderstanding of the precautions necessary for managing a pacemaker.
C. This statement indicates a correct understanding of pacemaker care. It is important for patients with pacemakers to inform airport security screeners about their device before going through metal detectors or body scanners.
D. Regular monitoring of the pulse is important for patients with pacemakers, but taking the pulse every 3-4 days may not be necessary unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider. Typically, patients are instructed to monitor their pulse more frequently if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or irregular heartbeats.

A. hepatomegaly. B. crackles auscultated in the lungs. C. peripheral edema D. distended neck veins.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Hepatomegaly, or enlargement of the liver, is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. When the right side of the heart fails, it can lead to systemic venous congestion, which causes blood to back up in the liver and results in hepatomegaly.
B. Crackles (or rales) heard on lung auscultation are a hallmark of left-sided heart failure. This is due to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs, which occurs when the left side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood forward.
C. Peripheral edema, or swelling of the extremities, is typically associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure.
D. Distended neck veins are a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. This occurs when there is elevated pressure in the systemic venous system due to the right side of the heart being unable to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation.

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 patient with a sinus node dysfunction has a permanent pacemaker inserted. Before discharge, what should the nurse include when teaching the patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client who has a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse recognizes the patient has clinical manifestations of left sided heart failure when noticing the following during the assessment

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse obtains a health history from an older adult with a prosthetic mitral valve who has symptoms of infective endocarditis (IE). Which question by the nurse helps identify a risk factor for IE?

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 patient is admitted with suspected cardiomyopathy. What diagnostic test would be most helpful with the identification of this disorder?

A client in sinus bradycardia, with a heart rate of 45 beats per minute and blood pressure of 82/60 mm Hg, reports dizziness. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?

A nurse is providing education to a client who has a newly diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

What should the nurse teach the patient who has endocarditis about preventing recurrence of the infections?

Which of the following are risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)? (Select all that apply.)

A patient admitted with diagnosis of pericarditis develops hypotension, shortness of breath, tachycardia, distended neck veins. Which of the following procedures with the nurse anticipate assisting for this emergent situation?