The nurse is caring for a client in the telemetry unit and notices the rhythm below. The client is unresponsive and pulseless. After calling for assistance, what should be the nurse's next action?

Cardiovert in the synchronized mode.

Defibrillate immediately with a biphasic machine.

Take a full set of vital signs.

Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Cardiovert in the synchronized mode: Synchronized cardioversion is used for hemodynamically unstable but conscious patients with rhythms like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia. It is not appropriate for a pulseless patient with ventricular fibrillation, as synchronization requires detectable R-waves.

B. Defibrillate immediately with a biphasic machine: The rhythm strip shows ventricular fibrillation (VF) a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by chaotic, irregular waveform with no identifiable PQRST and no effective cardiac output. The patient is unresponsive and pulseless, making immediate defibrillation the priority action, as per Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines.

C. Take a full set of vital signs: The client is already unresponsive and pulseless, making a full set of vitals irrelevant at this moment. Immediate resuscitation efforts, including defibrillation and CPR, take priority.

D. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation: While CPR is a critical part of the algorithm for pulseless rhythms, defibrillation is the first priority in ventricular fibrillation when a defibrillator is available and ready. CPR should be started immediately after the shock if no pulse returns.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Sinus Bradycardia, with First Degree AV block, Rate 40: The rhythm strip shows regular P waves, each followed by a QRS complex, indicating a sinus rhythm. The PR interval is prolonged (greater than 0.20 seconds) but remains consistent across all beats. This confirms a first-degree AV block. The ventricular rate is approximately 40 bpm, consistent with sinus bradycardia.

B. Second Degree AV block – Mobitz I, Rate 40: Mobitz I (Wenckebach) is characterized by a progressively lengthening PR interval followed by a dropped QRS complex. This pattern is not seen here; the PR intervals are consistently prolonged.

C. Second Degree AV block – Mobitz II, Rate 40: Mobitz II involves intermittent dropped QRS complexes without progressive PR prolongation. In the strip, no QRS complexes are missing, ruling out Mobitz II.

D. Third Degree Heart Block, Rate 40: In complete heart block, there is no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes (AV dissociation). Here, the P waves are consistently followed by QRS complexes, indicating intact conduction, even if delayed. This therefore is not a third-degree block.

A. Dopamine and 50% non-rebreather mask B. Nesiritide IV infusion and digoxin PO C. Diazepam IV push and metoprolol IV D. Morphine IV and oxygen 2 liters via nasal cannula

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Dopamine and 50% non-rebreather mask: Dopamine is a vasopressor used in hypotension or shock, an inotropic agent used to improve cardiac output, not typically first-line for anxiety or respiratory distress. A non-rebreather mask may provide high oxygen levels but can be overwhelming and exacerbate anxiety if not well tolerated.

B. Nesiritide IV infusion and digoxin PO: Nesiritide is a vasodilator which may reduce preload and afterload in heart failure, and digoxin is a positive inotrope that can improve contractility, but neither offers rapid relief for anxiety and dyspnea. These medications have slower onset and are not used primarily for symptom control in acute distress.

C. Diazepam IV push and metoprolol IV: While diazepam may reduce anxiety, it can depress respiration, which is dangerous in decompensated heart failure with potential pulmonary edema. Metoprolol reduces heart rate and contractility and must be used cautiously in acute settings.

D. Morphine IV and oxygen 2 liters via nasal cannula: Morphine reduces preload, anxiety, and the sensation of breathlessness, making it ideal in acute decompensated heart failure. Low-flow oxygen improves oxygenation without overwhelming the patient. This combination directly targets both physiologic and psychological distress.

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WBC	8.5
Hemoglobin	17g/dL
Hematocrit	54%
BUN	28mg/dL
Creatinine	1.1 mg/dL
Potassium	4.9 mEq/L

The nurse is caring for a client in the telemetry unit and notices the rhythm below. The client is unresponsive and pulseless. After calling for assistance, what should be the nurse's next action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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