The occupational health nurse is evaluating a patient who is 3 weeks post pacemaker insertion. Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate at this time?

Assessing the incision for any redness, swelling, or discharge

Applying wet-to-dry dressings every 4 hours to the insertion site

Reinforcing the pressure dressing as needed

Encouraging range-of-motion exercises of the involved arm

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Assessing the incision for any redness, swelling, or discharge: At 3 weeks post pacemaker insertion, the wound should be well into the healing process. Monitoring for signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, or discharge—remains a top priority to identify delayed wound complications like infection or erosion.

B. Applying wet-to-dry dressings every 4 hours to the insertion site: Wet-to-dry dressings are used for debridement of open wounds with significant drainage and necrotic tissue, not for healing surgical incisions. By 3 weeks post-procedure, the site should be dry and closed; such dressing changes would be inappropriate and potentially increase risk of infection.

C. Reinforcing the pressure dressing as needed: Pressure dressings are typically used in the immediate post-operative period to control bleeding and are not maintained weeks after insertion. Reinforcing one at this stage would suggest poor wound healing or inappropriate post-op management.

D. Encouraging range-of-motion exercises of the involved arm: While regaining full range of motion is important after pacemaker insertion, it's usually initiated gradually. Gentle arm movement may be resumed after a few weeks but early aggressive range-of-motion exercises are discouraged immediately post-insertion to prevent lead dislodgement. At the 3-week mark, movement should be cautious and per the provider’s specific clearance.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A 60-year-old woman with cardiac dysrhythmias post myocardial infarction. Her HR is 39 & irregular, BP 147/65: Although her heart rate is low, carvedilol is commonly used post-MI to reduce mortality, especially in patients with dysrhythmias. However, caution is warranted, and dosage adjustments or withholding may be necessary due to bradycardia.

B. A 55-year-old woman with HTN due to renal failure from chronic pyelonephritis. HR 92. BP 145/72: This client has stable vitals, and carvedilol can be safely used to help manage hypertension. Renal impairment requires monitoring, but it is not a contraindication if renal function is closely followed.

C. A 78-year-old man with a history of hyperlipidemia & cardiac dysfunction. He is in 3rd degree heart block. HR 42. BP 92/65: Carvedilol is contraindicated in clients with 2nd or 3rd degree heart block without a functioning pacemaker. It can worsen bradycardia and conduction delays, making its use unsafe in this client without rhythm control support.

D. A 49-year-old male, BMI 36, history of type 2 diabetes & HTN. HR 105, BP 158/92: This client is hypertensive and tachycardic, both of which carvedilol can help manage. Although diabetes requires careful monitoring for hypoglycemia, there is no contraindication in this scenario.

A. Complete the remainder of the assessment. B. Obtain an order for adenosine IV. C. Notify the physician of the symptoms. D. Administer the prescribed ace inhibitor.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Complete the remainder of the assessment: While ongoing assessment is important, the rhythm strip shows atrial flutter, a potentially unstable arrhythmia, and the client is experiencing symptoms (nausea after breakfast) which could suggest compromised cardiac output. Completing the remainder assessment delays the necessary intervention.

B. Obtain an order for adenosine IV: Adenosine is typically used for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), not for atrial flutter, as it may not terminate the rhythm. It may slow conduction enough to better visualize flutter waves, but initiating it without a provider's order or further evaluation is inappropriate.

C. Notify the physician of the symptoms: The client’s rhythm strip shows atrial flutter with a rapid ventricular response and the patient is experiencing nausea, which could indicate decreased perfusion or early decompensation. Immediately notifying the provider is the safest and most appropriate action for further evaluation and treatment planning.

D. Administer the prescribed ACE inhibitor: ACE inhibitors are used for blood pressure control or heart failure management, not for acute rhythm disturbances. Administering it would not address the current rhythm or symptoms and could worsen hypotension if cardiac output is compromised.

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The occupational health nurse is evaluating a patient who is 3 weeks post pacemaker insertion. Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate at this time?

Nursing Test Bank

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