The nurse sees a life-threatening arrhythmia on a patient's cardiac monitor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Examine the patient and collect data.
Notify the health-care provider immediately.
Obtain vital signs.
Administer antiarrhythmic medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While assessment and data collection are important, the priority in the presence of a life-threatening arrhythmia is to initiate immediate interventions to address the situation.
B. The nurse should immediately inform the healthcare provider about the life- threatening arrhythmia to obtain further guidance and potential orders for intervention.
C. Vital signs are important, but they should not delay immediate action when a life- threatening arrhythmia is present.
D. Administering antiarrhythmic medication may be necessary, but the nurse should first notify the healthcare provider to obtain orders and guidance before administering any medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","G","H"]
Explanation
A. Polycythemia (an abnormally high red blood cell count) is not typically a primary concern in dialysis patients; instead, they are more often monitored for anemia.
B. Dialysis patients often need to restrict fluid intake to prevent fluid overload, which can exacerbate edema and cause additional cardiovascular strain.
C. Daily weight monitoring is crucial for dialysis patients to track fluid balance and detect any sudden changes that might indicate fluid retention or loss.
D. Frequent oral care is important to prevent infections, particularly because dialysis patients are at increased risk due to their compromised immune systems and possible fluid restrictions, which can lead to dry mouth and other oral health issues.
E. Dialysis patients may need a modified protein intake, depending on their specific needs and the type of dialysis (hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis). Protein needs can vary, so it is essential to follow the specific dietary recommendations provided by a healthcare provider.
F. Avoiding nephrotoxic substances (e.g., certain medications, contrast dyes) is critical to protect the remaining kidney function and prevent further damage.
G. A low-sodium diet helps manage blood pressure and fluid balance, reducing the risk of fluid retention and hypertension in dialysis patients.
H. Monitoring urine output is important to assess kidney function and fluid balance.
Even though dialysis takes over some kidney functions, any remaining urine output can provide valuable information about the patient's residual kidney function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. These values are within the normal range and not indicative of chronic kidney disease.
B. While an elevated BUN is present, the serum creatinine level is within the normal range, which is not consistent with chronic kidney disease.
C. Both BUN and serum creatinine levels are elevated, indicating impaired kidney function and consistent with chronic kidney disease.
D. These values are within the normal range and not indicative of chronic kidney disease.
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