Med Surg Success: Dysrhythmias and Conduction Problems

57. The client is in ventricular fibrillation. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply. 1. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 2. Prepare to administer the antidysrhythmic adenosine IVP. 3. Prepare to defibrillate the client. 4. Bring the crash cart to the bedside. 5. Prepare to administer the antidysrhythmic amiodarone IVP.

1,3,4,5 Rationale: 1. Ventricular fibrillation indicates the client does not have a heartbeat. Therefore, CPR should be instituted. Rationale: 3. Defibrillation is the treatment of choice for ventricular fibrillation. Rationale: 4. The crash cart has the defibrillator and is used when performing advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Rationale: 5. Amiodarone is an antidysrhythmic that is used in ventricular dysrhythmias.

54. The client has chronic atrial fibrillation. Which discharge teaching should the nurse discuss with the client? 1. Instruct the client to use a soft-bristle toothbrush. 2. Discuss the importance of getting a monthly partial thromboplastin time (PTT). 3. Teach the client about signs of pacemaker malfunction. 4. Explain to the client the procedure for synchronized cardioversion.

1. Rationale: A client with chronic atrial fibrillation will be taking an anticoagulant to help prevent clot formation. Therefore, the client is at risk for bleeding and should be instructed to use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

59. The client's telemetry reading shows a P wave before each QRS complex and the rate is 78. Which action should the nurse implement? 1. Document this as normal sinus rhythm. 2. Request a 12-lead electrocardiogram. 3. Prepare to administer the cardiotonic digoxin PO. 4. Assess the client's cardiac enzymes.

1. Rationale: The P wave represents atrial contraction, and the QRS complex represents ventricular contraction—a normal telemetry reading. A rate between 60 and 100 indicates normal sinus rhythm. Therefore, the nurse should document this as normal sinus rhythm and not take any action.

51. The client is experiencing multifocal premature ventricular contractions. Which antidysrhythmic medication would the nurse expect the health-care provider to order for this client? 1. Lidocaine. 2. Atropine. 3. Digoxin. 4. Adenosine.

1. Rationale: Lidocaine suppresses ventricular ectopy and is the drug of choice for ventricular dysrhythmias.

56. The client is in complete heart block. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? 1. Prepare to insert a pacemaker. 2. Administer atropine, an antidysrhythmic. 3. Obtain a STAT electrocardiogram (ECG). 4. Notify the health-care provider

2. Rationale: Atropine will decrease vagal stimulation and increase the heart rate. Therefore, it is the first intervention.

60. Which client problem has priority for the client with a cardiac dysrhythmia? 1. Alteration in comfort. 2. Decreased cardiac output. 3. Impaired gas exchange. 4. Activity intolerance.

2. Rationale: Any abnormal electrical activity of the heart causes decreased cardiac output.

50. The client shows ventricular fibrillation on the telemetry at the nurse's station. Which action should the telemetry nurse implement first? 1. Administer epinephrine IVP. 2. Prepare to defibrillate the client. 3. Call a STAT code. 4. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

3. Rationale: The nurse must call a code that activates the crash cart being brought to the room and a team of health-care providers that will care for the client according to an established protocol.

49. The telemetry nurse is unable to read the telemetry monitor at the nurse's station. Which intervention should the telemetry nurse implement first? 1. Go to the client's room to check the client. 2. Instruct the primary nurse to assess the client. 3. Contact the client on the client call system. 4. Request the nursing assistant to take the crash cart to the client's room.

3. Rationale: If the client answers the call light and is not experiencing chest pain, then there is probably a monitor artifact, which is not a life-threatening emergency. After talking with the client, send a nurse to the room to check the monitor.

52. The client is exhibiting sinus bradycardia, is complaining of syncope and weakness, and has a BP of 98/60. Which collaborative treatment should the nurse anticipate being implemented? 1. Administer a thrombolytic medication. 2. Assess the client's cardiovascular status. 3. Prepare for insertion of a pacemaker. 4. Obtain a permit for synchronized cardioversion.

3. Rationale: The client is symptomatic and will require a pacemaker.

55. The client is exhibiting ventricular tachycardia. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? 1. Administer lidocaine, an antidysrhythmic, IVP. 2. Prepare to defibrillate the client. 3. Assess the client's apical pulse and blood pressure. 4. Start basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

3. Rationale: The nurse must assess the apical pulse and blood pressure to determine if the client is in cardiac arrest and then treat as ventricular fibrillation. If the client's heart is beating, the nurse would then administer lidocaine.

53. Which intervention should the nurse implement when defibrillating a client who is in ventricular fibrillation? 1. Defibrillate the client at 50, 100, and 200 joules. 2. Do not remove the oxygen source during defibrillation. 3. Place petroleum jelly on the defibrillator pads. 4. Shout "all clear" prior to defibrillating the client.

4. Rationale: If any member of the health-care team is touching the client or the bed during defibrillation, that person could possibly be shocked. Therefore, the nurse should shout "all clear."

58. The client who is one (1) day postoperative coronary artery bypass surgery is exhibiting sinus tachycardia. Which intervention should the nurse implement? 1. Assess the apical heart rate for one (1) full minute. 2. Notify the client's cardiac surgeon. 3. Prepare the client for synchronized cardioversion. 4. Determine if the client is having pain.

4. Rationale: Sinus tachycardia means the sinoatrial node is the pacemaker, but the rate is greater than 100 because of pain, anxiety, or fever. The nurse must determine the cause and treat appropriately. There is no specific medication for sinus tachycardia.