A client presents to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining of a "racing" heart and nervousness. The client also admits to a history of cocaine abuse. The cardiac monitor displays the rhythm below. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform?

Perform carotid massage on the client
Administer adenosine 12mg IV push STAT
Prepare the client for electrical cardioversion
Assess patient and obtain vital signs
The Correct Answer is D
A. Carotid massage can be used as a vagal maneuver for certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), particularly in stable patients. However, it is not recommended in cases where the patient has a history of cocaine use or is showing signs of instability because of the potential for triggering a serious event, like a stroke.
B. Adenosine is a medication commonly used for the treatment of SVT. However, it should be given with caution and only after assessing the patient's condition. In this case, the patient needs to be assessed first, including vital signs, level of consciousness, and overall stability, before any medications are administered.
C. Electrical cardioversion is indicated for unstable SVT (e.g., signs of hemodynamic instability such as hypotension, chest pain, or altered mental status). However, this patient is only reporting a "racing heart" and nervousness and has not yet been assessed for vital signs or other clinical symptoms.
D. The first step in this case should be to assess the patient's condition. This includes checking the vital signs, level of consciousness, and overall stability. Once this initial assessment is performed, the nurse can then determine whether medications or other interventions (like adenosine or cardioversion) are needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Weighing the client provides an important baseline for monitoring fluid retention and determining the effectiveness of treatments such as diuretics. Rapid changes in weight can indicate worsening heart failure and fluid accumulation.
B. Inserting an indwelling catheter is not indicated unless there are concerns about urinary retention or output, which are not the priority here.
C. Drawing blood for chemistry studies and a CBC is important but it does not directly address the immediate concern of fluid retention and worsening heart failure.
D. Administering furosemide may be necessary depending on the client's condition, but first establishing a baseline weight is important before making further treatment decisions.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. A patient with blood type A- can receive A- blood, as it matches both the ABO blood group and Rh factor.
B. A patient with A- blood cannot receive AB blood because the blood type is incompatible in terms of both ABO group and Rh factor. AB blood contains both A and B antigens, which could lead to an immune response in a type A patient.
C. O- blood is a universal donor for all blood types, meaning it does not contain A or B antigens and does not have the Rh factor, so it can be given to an A- patient.
D. As already noted, A- blood is compatible with an A- patient because both the ABO group and Rh factor are the same.
E. O+ blood contains the Rh antigen, and since the patient is A-, they cannot receive Rh-positive blood, as this could cause an immune reaction.
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