The nurse is reviewing an electrocardiogram rhythm strip. The P waves and QRS complexes are regular. The PR interval is 0.16 seconds, and the QRS complexes measure 0.06 seconds. The overall heart rate is 64 beats/minute. Which would be a correct interpretation based on these characteristics?

A. Furosemide 10mg IV bolus every 12 hours:

Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used in heart failure management to reduce fluid overload. The prescribed dose of 10 mg IV bolus every 12 hours is within the typical range for furosemide administration in acute heart failure.

B. Morphine sulfate 2 mg IV bolus every 2 hr PRN pain:

Morphine sulfate is often used in the management of acute pain, including pain associated with myocardial infarction. The prescribed dose of 2 mg IV bolus every 2 hours PRN for pain is appropriate and aligns with standard pain management protocols.

C. Laboratory testing of serum potassium upon admission:

It is common practice to perform laboratory testing, including serum potassium levels, upon admission for clients with acute heart failure, especially if they are receiving diuretics or other medications that can affect electrolyte balance. This prescription is appropriate and necessary for monitoring the client's condition.

D. 0.9% normal saline IV at 150 mL/hr continuous:

This prescription raises a concern because administering 0.9% normal saline at a rate of 150 mL/hr continuously may lead to fluid overload in a client with acute heart failure. The rate of IV fluid administration should be carefully assessed based on the client's fluid status, renal function, and hemodynamic parameters to avoid exacerbating heart failure symptoms.

A. Pleurisy:

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, which is the lining surrounding the lungs. It can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. While pleurisy can be associated with conditions such as infections, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism, it is not typically directly diagnosed or investigated using the brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) test. The symptoms of pleurisy may include chest pain, especially with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.

B. Cardiomyopathy:

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can lead to impaired heart function. Cardiomyopathy can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid retention. While elevated BNP levels can be observed in some cases of cardiomyopathy, the BNP test is not specific to cardiomyopathy alone. It is often used to assess and diagnose heart failure, a condition that can result from various cardiac abnormalities, including cardiomyopathy.

C. Valve Dysfunction:

Valve dysfunction refers to abnormalities or malfunctions of the heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Valve dysfunction can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue. While valve dysfunction can contribute to heart failure by causing pressure and volume overload on the heart chambers, the BNP test is primarily used to assess heart failure itself rather than specifically identifying valve dysfunction.

D. Heart Failure:

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention (edema), and exercise intolerance. Elevated BNP levels are commonly observed in patients with heart failure, especially in cases of acute exacerbations or decompensated heart failure. The BNP test is used to assess and diagnose heart failure, as higher BNP levels indicate increased cardiac stress and volume overload.