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. Giving away valued possessions - This is a classic sign of suicidal ideation, as individuals may feel they no longer need their belongings or want to say goodbye to loved ones in a symbolic way.
B. Engaging in high-risk behaviors - While high-risk behaviors can be a sign of depression, they are not necessarily indicative of suicidal thoughts.
C. Talkative, with pressured speech - This could be indicative of a manic episode or high anxiety, but it is not a common sign of suicidal behavior.
D. Guilt, decreased self-esteem - Although guilt and low self-esteem are symptoms of depression, they do not directly indicate suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This question assesses the client's level of orthopnea, which is a condition where the client experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat. People with heart failure may need to use multiple pillows to prop themselves up to breathe more easily at night, making it an important question to assess respiratory status.
B. Chest pain with exertion can be indicative of cardiovascular issues but this question does not directly assess the client's respiratory status.
C. Tight rings and shoes can indicate fluid retention and edema, but it does not provide specific information about respiratory status.
D. Frequent nighttime voiding (nocturia) is common in heart failure, but it relates more to kidney function and fluid retention rather than respiratory function.
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