The nurse notes that the client's rhythm strip indicates a PR-interval of 0.28 seconds. What is the nurse's analysis of this problem?
2nd degree Mobitz Il
Atrial flutter
Sinus bradycardia
1st degree AV block
The Correct Answer is D
A. This type of AV block is characterized by a progressively lengthening PR interval until a QRS complex is dropped (a blocked beat). A PR interval of 0.28 seconds could be seen in 2nd degree Mobitz I (Wenckebach), not Mobitz II, which has a more irregular pattern of dropped beats
B. Atrial flutter: Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia characterized by rapid atrial rates (typically around 250-350 beats per minute) with a sawtooth pattern of P-waves. It does not relate to the PR interval, but rather the atrial rhythm.
C. Sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute), but this does not affect the PR interval directly. A normal PR interval (0.12-0.20 seconds) can still be seen in sinus bradycardia, so the prolonged PR interval in this case makes sinus bradycardia less likely.
D. 1st degree AV block: In 1st degree AV block, the PR interval is consistently prolonged, usually more than 0.20 seconds, but it is still a constant, non-variable delay in the conduction between the atria and ventricles. A PR interval of 0.28 seconds (which is longer than normal but consistent) is characteristic of a first-degree AV block, making it the correct answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Reporting the findings and anticipating a prescription for amiodarone may be necessary later, but the first step is to assess the patient's immediate condition (unresponsiveness, pulse status, etc.).
B. Although increasing monitor sensitivity and initiating a rapid response call might be helpful, these actions come after assessing the patient’s condition. If the patient is in distress or unresponsive, the nurse needs to check for a pulse and intervene right away.
C. This is a crucial action if the patient is unresponsive and pulseless (cardiac arrest). If the patient is found to be unresponsive and pulseless, starting chest compressions immediately and preparing for defibrillation is the next step. However, the first action is to check for pulse and responsiveness.
Why it's incorrect: Compressions and defibrillation are correct actions if the patient is pulseless, but before taking these steps, the nurse must assess the patient for responsiveness and check the carotid pulse. Starting CPR and preparing defibrillation without verifying the patient's condition could delay appropriate care.
D. Checking responsiveness and pulse is the most immediate and critical action because VT may be asymptomatic or cause deterioration, including cardiac arrest. Once pulse and responsiveness are determined, appropriate interventions (such as defibrillation or CPR) can be initiated quickly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This question assesses the client's level of orthopnea, which is a condition where the client experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat. People with heart failure may need to use multiple pillows to prop themselves up to breathe more easily at night, making it an important question to assess respiratory status.
B. Chest pain with exertion can be indicative of cardiovascular issues but this question does not directly assess the client's respiratory status.
C. Tight rings and shoes can indicate fluid retention and edema, but it does not provide specific information about respiratory status.
D. Frequent nighttime voiding (nocturia) is common in heart failure, but it relates more to kidney function and fluid retention rather than respiratory function.
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