The mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) is decreasing in a client who has a severe pneumonia. To determine the possible cause of the decreased SVO2, the nurse assesses the client for

A client has a temporary demand pacemaker. During your AM assessment you note that the client's heart rate is 40 bpm, and the client is hypotensive. There are no pacer spikes evident on the rhythm strip. You suspect

Prior to the insertion of an arterial line, the physician performs an Allen's test to determine the patency of the

Which information obtained by the nurse when assessing a client admitted with mitral valve regurgitation should be communicated to the health care provider immediately?

A client who is a candidate for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) asks the nurse about the purpose of this device. What would be the nurse's best response?

A client is admitted to the coronary care unit; the client's EKG shows atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. The nurse prepares to assist the physician with the cardioversion procedure. To overcome the potential danger of inducing ventricular fibrillation during the procedure, the nurse should ensure that the

Following insertion of a CVP (central venous pressure) catheter into the right subclavian vein, which assessment finding should be of most concern to you?

A client's EKG rhythm converts from normal sinus rhythm at 80 bpm to atrial fibrillation with a ventricular response at 166 bpm. Blood pressure is 162/74 mm Hg. Respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute with normal chest expansion and clear lungs bilaterally. IV Heparin and Diltiazem are initiated. The nurse caring for the client understands that the priority goal of treatment is what?

A client had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. His hemodynamics are:

• central venous pressure (CVP) low at 1 mm Hg;
• pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) low at 20/4 mm Hg;
• cardiac output (CO) low at 4 L/min;
• systemic vascular resistance (SVR) high at 1600 dynes/sec/cm(-5):
• BP low at 90/56 mm Hg.

The client's hemodynamic status would benefit most from

A client is admitted to the critical care unit (CCU) with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. When reviewing the client's most recent laboratory results, the nurse should prioritize assessment of which of the following lab results?

A 65-year-old patient with a history of heart failure presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath and hypotension. Which of the following medications would be most appropriate to administer in order to decrease the afterload and improve cardiac output in this patient?