The nurse is monitoring a 53-year-old client who is undergoing a cardiac exercise stress test after experiencing an episode of angina. Which client finding will require the test to be discontinued?
Heart rate of 134 bpm
Mild shortness of breath
Three premature ventricular contractions in a row
Blood pressure 152/88 mmHg
The Correct Answer is C
A. Heart rate of 134 bpm. A heart rate of 134 bpm is expected during a cardiac stress test, as the goal is to increase the heart rate to a target range to evaluate cardiac function under stress.
B. Mild shortness of breath. Mild shortness of breath is a common response to exercise and is not an indication to stop the test unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain or cyanosis.
C. Three premature ventricular contractions in a row indicate a potential serious arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia), which is a contraindication for continuing the stress test. This finding could place the client at risk for life-threatening cardiac events, such as ventricular fibrillation.
D. Blood pressure 152/88 mmHg. This is a slightly elevated but normal physiological response to exercise and does not warrant discontinuation of the test unless the blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels (e.g., >200/110 mmHg).
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Facilitates the insertion of a pacemaker: This is not the purpose of an electrophysiology study (EPS). A pacemaker may be considered based on the results, but EPS itself does not insert the device.
B. Assesses the function of the SA node: EPS is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart, including the function of the SA node.
C. Evaluates the effectiveness of prescribed antiarrhythmic medication: EPS can help evaluate how well antiarrhythmic medications are controlling arrhythmias.
D. Identifies the location of abnormal sites within cardiac muscle: EPS is often used to locate areas of the heart responsible for abnormal electrical conduction and arrhythmias.
E. Treats certain arrhythmias through the process of ablation: One of the therapeutic purposes of EPS is to perform ablation, which can treat certain arrhythmias by destroying abnormal tissue.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Document the finding and continue to monitor the client: A PR interval of 0.24 seconds indicates first-degree AV block, which is often asymptomatic and benign if vital signs are stable. No immediate intervention is required other than continued monitoring.
B. Prepare the client for temporary pacemaker insertion: Pacemakers are not indicated for asymptomatic first-degree AV block.
C. Notify the health care provider immediately and then administer epinephrine IV: This is unnecessary as the client is stable and shows no signs of hemodynamic compromise.
D. Administer atropine per agency bradycardia protocol and then notify the health care provider: Atropine is not required for a stable heart rate of 72 bpm.
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