The nurse is caring for a client immediately following the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
Teach the client how to change the pacemaker dressing
Immobilize the affected arm using a sling
Arrange for ancillary personnel to feed the client
Monitor urine output every two hours
The Correct Answer is B
A. Teach the client how to change the pacemaker dressing: Client education is important but not a priority in the immediate post-procedure phase. Dressing changes should initially be performed using sterile technique by clinical staff to prevent infection at the insertion site.
B. Immobilize the affected arm using a sling: After pacemaker insertion, the affected arm (usually on the side of the implantation) should be immobilized or limited in movement to prevent lead dislodgment. Elevating the arm above the shoulder or excessive motion can compromise pacemaker lead placement during the early healing period.
C. Arrange for ancillary personnel to feed the client: Assistance with feeding is only necessary if the client has physical or cognitive limitations. This is not a routine or priority intervention following pacemaker insertion unless clinically indicated by other assessments.
D. Monitor urine output every two hours: Frequent monitoring of urine output is not directly related to pacemaker insertion unless there are other concerns such as fluid imbalance or renal dysfunction. It's not a standard intervention in the immediate care plan for this procedure.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hypermagnesemia: Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels) can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and prolonged PR and QRS intervals. While it can affect cardiac rhythm, it's less commonly associated with PVCs. The client's magnesium level of 2.5 mg/dL is within the normal range (1.5-2.5 mg/dL).
B. Hypocalcemia: While the calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is slightly low (normal: ~8.5–10.5 mg/dL), mild hypocalcemia is less commonly associated with PVCs compared to hypokalemia. It can affect cardiac contractility but is not the most likely cause of these arrhythmias.
C. Hypokalemia: The potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is significantly below normal (normal: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L). Potassium is a crucial electrolyte for maintaining normal cardiac electrical activity. Hypokalemia increases myocardial excitability and can lead to various cardiac dysrhythmias and a known cause of ventricular irritability, including multifocal PVCs, and increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias in clients with cardiac or metabolic conditions.
D. Hyperglycemia: The glucose level of 200 mg/dL is elevated but not severely high. While it reflects poor glycemic control, it is not directly linked to the occurrence of PVCs. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium, are more arrhythmogenic.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. ambulate in the hall 3 times daily without shortness of breath: This directly reflects improved tolerance to activity, the central focus of the nursing diagnosis. Being able to ambulate without dyspnea indicates better cardiac output and ventricular function, marking resolution of the identified problem.
B. have an increase in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg during activity: A rise in systolic pressure may occur with exertion, but it does not necessarily indicate improved activity tolerance. In fact, an exaggerated BP response could indicate the heart is working harder than it should to meet the demands, suggesting poor cardiovascular adaptation to exercise.
C. decrease weight from 150 lbs. (68.2 kg.) to 148 lbs. (67.3 kg.) in five days: A slight weight reduction may reflect decreased fluid retention, but this outcome is more relevant to volume status and fluid balance than to resolving activity intolerance specifically.
D. verbalize the signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure by discharge:
While important for client education and self-management, this outcome relates to knowledge rather than physical tolerance to activity. It does not directly measure resolution of activity intolerance.
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