A client on a cardiac unit is experiencing atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response of 140 beats per minute. The client is dizzy, short of breath, and hypotensive. Medications have not been effective at reducing the client's heart rate. Which procedure would the nurse anticipate to be performed for this client?

Defibrillation

Coronary artery stent placement

Echocardiogram

Synchronized cardioversion

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, where the heart is in a chaotic rhythm without an effective contraction.

B.   This procedure is performed to relieve significant blockages in coronary arteries that are causing myocardial ischemia or infarction. While coronary artery disease can contribute to cardiac issues, it is not the primary intervention for treating atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response and associated symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, and hypotension.
C.   While an echocardiogram may be useful in assessing the overall cardiac function and structure, it is not an immediate intervention for the acute management of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response and unstable symptoms.
D.   Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure used to convert certain types of rapid arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, to a normal sinus rhythm by delivering a synchronized electrical shock to the heart at a specific point in the cardiac cycle.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This option describes a phenomenon seen in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), not in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In HIT, antibodies against the PF4-heparin complex can cause platelet activation and aggregation, leading to thrombocytopenia. However, this is not characteristic of ITP.
B. Abnormally long von Willebrand factor is seen in von Willebrand disease (VWD), not in ITP. VWD is a bleeding disorder caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which plays a key role in platelet adhesion and aggregation. It is not typically associated with ITP.

C. ADAMTS13 deficiency is characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), not ITP. TTP is a rare blood disorder where small blood clots form in blood vessels throughout the body, leading to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and other complications. It is distinct from ITP.
D. In immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, leading to a low platelet count. Antibodies, particularly anti-platelet antibodies such as anti-GP IIb/IIIa or anti-GP Ib/IX, coat the surface of platelets. These antibody-coated platelets are recognized and destroyed by macrophages in the spleen and liver, contributing to thrombocytopenia.

A. Assess pedal pulses B. Assess nutritional status C. Assess urine output D. Assess liver function

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While assessing pedal pulses is important for circulation and can indicate peripheral vascular status, it is not the highest priority compared to assessing renal function in a client with TTP.
B. Nutritional status is important for overall health and recovery but is not immediately critical compared to assessing for acute complications such as kidney damage in TTP.
C. TTP can lead to kidney damage due to the formation of clots in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. This can result in decreased urine output or even acute kidney injury (AKI). Monitoring urine output is crucial to assess renal function and detect early signs of kidney involvement.
D. TTP primarily affects the kidneys and blood coagulation system, leading to hemolysis and thrombocytopenia. Liver function is not typically a primary concern in TTP unless there are concurrent issues or complications.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). When reviewing the results of the client's peripheral blood smear, what would the nurse expect to find?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse receives report on a client who is diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Understanding the complications associated with this condition, which assessment is the priority for the nurse to complete for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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