The nurse's responsibilities is preparing to defibrillate a patient include:
applying gel pads to the patient's chest.
setting the defibrillator to a synchronized mode.
sedating the patient with midazolam (Versed) before defibrillation.
looking for R-wave markers.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Applying gel pads to the patient's chest: Proper placement of defibrillator pads is essential for effective delivery of the electrical shock. Gel pads or adhesive electrodes reduce chest wall resistance, improve conductivity, and ensure the shock reaches the myocardium efficiently, which is critical for successful defibrillation.
B. Setting the defibrillator to a synchronized mode: Synchronized mode is used for cardioversion, not defibrillation. In defibrillation, the shock is delivered immediately and unsynchronized to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Using synchronized mode would delay therapy and reduce effectiveness.
C. Sedating the patient with midazolam (Versed) before defibrillation: Sedation is only considered for elective synchronized cardioversion in conscious patients. In emergency defibrillation of an unresponsive patient, sedation is unnecessary and could delay critical life-saving intervention.
D. Looking for R-wave markers: R-wave markers are used to time synchronized cardioversion to avoid delivering a shock during ventricular repolarization (T wave). In defibrillation for pulseless or chaotic ventricular rhythms, synchronization is not used, so R-wave markers are not relevant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Total Volume: 50 mL
Infusion Time: 30 minutes (0.5 hours)
Calculate the flow rate
Flow Rate (mL/hr) = Total Volume ÷ Time in hours
Flow Rate = 50 ÷ 0.5
= 100 mL/hr
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Attach defibrillator pads to the client: Attaching defibrillator pads is essential for rhythm analysis and shock delivery in cardiac arrest, but it is not the very first step. Immediate assessment of responsiveness and circulation must precede defibrillation to determine the appropriate intervention.
B. Deliver two breaths: Providing rescue breaths is part of CPR, but it should only be initiated after confirming that the client is unresponsive and pulseless. Delivering breaths before checking for a pulse could delay recognition of a perfusing rhythm.
C. Check for a carotid pulse: Assessing the carotid pulse is the first critical action after finding an unresponsive client. Determining the presence or absence of circulation guides whether to initiate chest compressions, call for advanced support, or begin other life-saving interventions. This step ensures appropriate prioritization of resuscitative measures.
D. Begin chest compressions: Chest compressions are essential in cardiac arrest, but they should be started only after confirming that the client is pulseless. Immediate compressions without pulse assessment could lead to unnecessary trauma in a patient who may still have circulation.
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