Given the electrocardiogram tracing below for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse, what should be the nurse’s priority action?
Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Establish intravenous (IV) access.
Carry out immediate defibrillation.
Check the client’s latest electrolyte levels.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice c. Carry out immediate defibrillation.
Choice A rationale:
Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse. However, in the presence of ventricular fibrillation, immediate defibrillation is the priority to restore a viable heart rhythm.
Choice B rationale:
Establishing intravenous (IV) access is important for administering medications during resuscitation. However, it is not the immediate priority when defibrillation is indicated.
Choice C rationale:
Immediate defibrillation is the priority action for a client with ventricular fibrillation who is unresponsive and without a pulse. Defibrillation can quickly restore a normal heart rhythm, which is critical in saving the client’s life.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client’s latest electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for ongoing treatment but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation where defibrillation is indicated. Immediate action to restore the heart rhythm is more critical.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not the first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern.
Choice B rationale
Cardioverting the client with a biphasic defibrillator is not the first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern.
Choice C rationale
The first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern is to assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
Choice D rationale
Administering an amiodarone bolus followed by a drip is not the first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the leg above the level of the heart would not be beneficial in this case. This action would actually reduce blood flow to the leg, which is already compromised due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice B rationale
Exercising the leg would increase the oxygen demand of the tissues in the leg, which could exacerbate the problem. The tissues in the leg are already deprived of oxygen due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice C rationale
Applying a compression stocking to the leg would not be beneficial in this case. This action would further compromise blood flow to the leg, which is already reduced due to the arterial occlusion.
Choice D rationale
Keeping the patient in bed in the supine position is the correct action. This position will decrease the oxygen demand of the tissues in the leg and minimize ischemic damage until circulation can be restored.
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