In preparation for cardiac surgery, a patient was taught about measures to prevent venous thromboembolism.
Which statement indicates that the patient clearly understood this education?

I’ll make sure that I don’t cross my legs when I’m resting in bed.

I’ll keep pillows under my knees to help my blood circulate better.

I’ll put on those compression stockings if I get pain in my calves.

I’ll try to stay in bed for the first few days to allow myself to heal.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the legs. It can be a serious condition, as the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Crossing the legs at the knees can impede blood flow in the veins of the legs, increasing the risk of VTE. This is because it compresses the veins, slowing the flow of blood and making it more likely for clots to form.

The patient's statement that they will make sure not to cross their legs when resting in bed demonstrates that they understand this important risk factor for VTE and are taking steps to prevent it.

Choice B rationale:

While keeping pillows under the knees can help to improve circulation, it is not a specific measure to prevent VTE. It is more important to avoid crossing the legs and to engage in regular movement and activity to promote blood flow.

Choice C rationale:

Compression stockings can help to reduce the risk of VTE by compressing the veins in the legs and promoting blood flow. However, they should be worn as instructed by a healthcare professional, and not only if the patient experiences pain in their calves. Pain in the calves can be a symptom of VTE, so it is important to seek medical attention if it occurs.

Choice D rationale:

Bed rest is actually a risk factor for VTE, as it can lead to decreased blood flow in the legs. It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery, even if it is just for short periods of time. This will help to promote blood flow and reduce the risk of VTE.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. Scarring on the atria is not an indication of procedure failure in the context of the maze procedure. In fact, it's a desired outcome.

Pacemaker implantation: Not routinely indicated after the maze procedure, even if scarring is present. Pacemakers are primarily used to treat bradyarrhythmias (slow heart rhythms), not atrial fibrillation.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. Repeating the maze procedure is generally not considered unless there's clear evidence of recurrent atrial fibrillation despite initial scarring. Scarring formation takes time, and premature repeat procedures are often not necessary.

Consulting the care team: While collaboration is essential, consultation specifically for repeating the procedure based solely on scarring would be premature.

Choice C rationale:

Correct. The maze procedure intentionally creates scar tissue within the atria to block abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation. Scarring disrupts the pathways that allow these signals to circulate and trigger fibrillation. Therefore, the presence of scarring is a positive finding that suggests the procedure has achieved its intended effect.

Choice D rationale:

Incorrect. Further diagnostic testing is not routinely indicated solely based on the presence of scarring after the maze procedure. Additional testing might be considered if the patient experiences recurrent atrial fibrillation or other concerning symptoms, but scarring itself does not necessitate immediate further investigation.

A. Asystole B. Atrial Flutter C. Normal Sinus Rhythm D. Sinus Bradycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is C. Normal Sinus Rhythm.

Choice A rationale:

Asystole is the absence of all electrical activity in the heart, as evidenced by a flat line on the electrocardiogram (ECG). It is a medical emergency that requires immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation.

Key features of asystole on ECG:

No discernible P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves.

A completely flat or nearly flat line on the ECG tracing.

Choice B rationale:

Atrial flutter is a rapid heart rhythm that arises from abnormal electrical activity in the atria. It is characterized by a sawtooth pattern on the ECG, with atrial rates typically between 250 and 350 beats per minute.

Key features of atrial flutter on ECG:

Absence of distinct P waves, instead replaced by flutter waves (sawtooth pattern).

Regular, rapid atrial rate (typically 250-350 bpm).

QRS complexes may be normal or slightly irregular in appearance.

Choice C rationale:

Normal sinus rhythm is the natural, healthy rhythm of the heart. It originates in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's natural pacemaker, and is characterized by a regular rate of 60-100 beats per minute, with consistent P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves on the ECG.

Key features of normal sinus rhythm on ECG:

Presence of distinct P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves.

Regular rhythm with a rate of 60-100 beats per minute.

PR interval (the time between the P wave and QRS complex) is 0.12-0.20 seconds.

QRS duration (the time it takes for the ventricles to depolarize) is less than 0.12 seconds.

Choice D rationale:

Sinus bradycardia is a slow heart rhythm, with a rate below 60 beats per minute. It is often a normal finding in healthy individuals, especially athletes or during sleep. However, it can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions.

Key features of sinus bradycardia on ECG:

Presence of distinct P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves.

Regular rhythm with a rate less than 60 beats per minute.

PR interval and QRS duration are typically normal.

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In preparation for cardiac surgery, a patient was taught about measures to prevent venous thromboembolism. Which statement indicates that the patient clearly understood this education?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient with refractory atrial fibrillation who underwent the maze procedure several months ago. The nurse reviews the result of the patient’s most recent cardiac imaging, which notes the presence of scarring on the atria.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Please identify the following rhythm:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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In preparation for cardiac surgery, a patient was taught about measures to prevent venous thromboembolism.
Which statement indicates that the patient clearly understood this education?