Mr. Smith is scheduled for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) procedure to treat dysrhythmia.
What is the primary function of this procedure?
To block impulse transmission to the AV node.
To assume the function of the SA node.
To trigger electrical impulses to the heart.
To increase ventricular conduction.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Blocking impulse transmission to the AV node is not the primary function of an ICD. This is typically achieved through medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, or through a procedure called AV node ablation.
While ICDs can sometimes have a secondary effect of slowing AV node conduction, their primary purpose is to actively monitor heart rhythm and deliver electrical shocks when necessary to restore normal rhythm.
Choice B rationale:
Assuming the function of the SA node is not the primary function of an ICD. The SA node, located in the right atrium, is the natural pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat.
While ICDs can sometimes pace the heart if the SA node is not functioning properly, their primary purpose is to intervene when life-threatening arrhythmias occur, rather than to continuously regulate heart rate.
Choice C rationale:
Triggering electrical impulses to the heart is the core function of an ICD. It continuously monitors heart rhythm and can deliver electrical shocks to restore normal rhythm when it detects potentially dangerous arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
These shocks are designed to interrupt chaotic electrical activity in the heart and allow the natural pacemaker to regain control, preventing cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing ventricular conduction is not the primary function of an ICD. In fact, in some cases, ICDs may actually slow down ventricular conduction to prevent certain types of arrhythmias.
Medications or procedures such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are specifically designed to improve ventricular conduction in patients with heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
correct answer is Choice B.
Choice B rationale:
Orthostatic hypotension is a significant drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up from a lying or sitting position. It's characterized by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing.
The client's assessment data clearly demonstrates orthostatic hypotension, with a systolic blood pressure drop of 23 mmHg and a diastolic drop of 13 mmHg upon standing.
Orthostatic hypotension is a major risk factor for falls, especially in older adults. This is because the sudden decrease in blood pressure can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, and even fainting.
Falls in older adults can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and even death. Therefore, it's crucial to identify and address orthostatic hypotension to prevent falls and their associated complications.
Rationales for other choices:
Choice A: Ineffective breathing pattern is not directly related to orthostatic hypotension. While hypotension can cause shortness of breath in some cases, it's not the primary concern in this scenario.
Choice C: Ineffective role performance can be a consequence of frequent falls, but it's not the most immediate or pressing nursing diagnosis in this case.
Choice D: Risk for imbalanced fluid balance is a potential concern in some cases of orthostatic hypotension, but it's not the most likely diagnosis based on the client's assessment data.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. It contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which narrows the arteries and can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. It helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. Therefore, a high HDL level is protective against heart disease.
An elevated LDL level and a lowered HDL level are both associated with an increased risk of CAD. This is because the elevated LDL level contributes to plaque buildup, while the lowered HDL level means that there is less "good" cholesterol available to remove the "bad" cholesterol from the arteries.
Therefore, the statement "Increased LDL and decreased HDL increase my risk of coronary artery disease" indicates an understanding of the significance of these cholesterol levels.
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. An increased LDL level will actually increase the amount of cholesterol deposited on the artery walls.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is also incorrect. A decreased HDL level will decrease the amount of cholesterol moved away from the artery walls.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Increased LDL has the potential to increase, not decrease, the risk of heart disease.
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