What is the function of an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)?
To monitor respirations.
To detect dangerous dysrhythmias and deliver a shock to a patient.
To monitor heart rate.
To regulate blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
An Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device designed to monitor the heart's electrical activity for dangerous rhythms and deliver therapy. Monitoring respirations is the function of a respiratory monitor or pulse oximetry, not the primary and specialized function of the ICD device.
Choice B rationale
The principal function of an ICD is to continuously monitor the heart rhythm, detect life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT or VF), and automatically deliver a high-energy electrical shock (defibrillation/cardioversion) to terminate the dysrhythmia and restore a perfusing rhythm.
Choice C rationale
While an ICD does monitor the heart rate to detect tachycardia and bradycardia, simply monitoring the heart rate is a secondary function. Its defining therapeutic role is the delivery of electrical therapy to treat life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias, a capability standard pacemakers lack.
Choice D rationale
An ICD does not directly regulate systemic blood pressure; this is achieved through autonomic nervous system regulation, fluid volume management, or vasoactive medications. While treating a lethal dysrhythmia will secondarily stabilize blood pressure, its primary mechanism is electrical, not hemodynamic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 45-year-old female with chest pain is a non-specific presentation; the cause is unknown, and she may be successfully treated with medical management or a less invasive procedure like PCI if she has single-vessel disease, rather than needing major open-heart surgery like CABG.
Choice B rationale
Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for Coronary Artery Disease, but a 60-year-old female with this alone, and without documented significant coronary artery obstruction or refractory angina, would typically be managed initially with lifestyle modifications and statin therapy, not major surgery.
Choice C rationale
A 55-year-old male with three-vessel disease (significant stenoses in three major coronary arteries) or left main coronary artery disease is the classic indication for CABG surgery. This complex anatomy makes PCI outcomes less favorable than surgery, which provides more complete revascularization and better long-term patency.
Choice D rationale
Chronic stable angina is often effectively managed with medical therapy (e.g., nitrates, beta-blockers) and risk factor modification. CABG is reserved for chronic stable angina that is refractory to optimal medical treatment or is associated with high-risk coronary anatomy, which is not specified here. —.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While chest pain (angina) is a serious complication often associated with reduced cardiac output from the rapid rate, especially in those with underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), managing the underlying rate is the most direct way to improve myocardial oxygen supply and demand balance, which is the cause of the pain.
Choice B rationale
Educating the patient is crucial for long-term management and preventing recurrence but is not the immediate, priority action for a patient presenting with an unstable, rapid ventricular response that significantly impairs cardiac output and could lead to cardiogenic shock or heart failure.
Choice C rationale
In atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (RVR), the heart rate often exceeds 100 bpm, reducing the time for diastolic filling and thus significantly decreasing stroke volume and cardiac output. Therefore, the priority is to administer rate-controlling medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) to slow the ventricular response and stabilize hemodynamics.
Choice D rationale
Anticoagulation is essential to prevent systemic embolization and stroke risk due to stasis and clot formation in the fibrillating atria. However, it addresses a long-term risk and is not the immediate, life-saving priority over controlling the dangerously rapid heart rate that acutely compromises perfusion. —.
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