A nurse administers prescribed adenosine to a symptomatic patient in supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Which response would the nurse assess for as an expected therapeutic response?
Increased heart rate.
Short period of asystole.
Hypertension.
Decreased intraocular pressure.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: An increased heart rate is not an expected therapeutic response to adenosine. Adenosine is used to slow the heart rate by temporarily blocking the electrical conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This action is crucial in managing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), as it can help restore a normal heart rhythm. An increased heart rate would suggest that the medication is not working as intended, and the underlying tachycardia may persist or worsen.
Choice B reason: A short period of asystole is the correct and expected therapeutic response when administering adenosine. Adenosine works by briefly stopping the heart's electrical activity, leading to a brief asystole (lack of heartbeat). This allows the heart's natural pacemaker to reset and potentially restore a normal rhythm. Although this can be alarming, it is a known and anticipated effect of the drug, and it typically resolves quickly as the heart resumes normal activity.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is not an expected response to adenosine. Adenosine generally causes vasodilation, which can lower blood pressure. The primary focus of adenosine in the context of SVT is on its cardiac effects rather than influencing blood pressure significantly. If hypertension occurs, it may be unrelated to the administration of adenosine and could indicate another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Choice D reason: Decreased intraocular pressure is not a relevant or expected response to adenosine administration in the context of managing SVT. Adenosine's primary effect is on the heart's electrical conduction system, and it does not significantly impact intraocular pressure. The focus should remain on observing the cardiac responses to ensure the medication is effectively managing the SVT.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Auscultating for irregular heart tones can provide useful information about the heart’s rhythm and potential arrhythmias. However, it is not the most specific or definitive assessment for diagnosing a myocardial infarction (MI).
Choice B reason: Assessing for ST elevations on continuous telemetry and 12-lead EKG is critical in diagnosing a myocardial infarction. ST-segment elevation is a key indicator of an acute MI, specifically indicating myocardial injury. Continuous telemetry and 12-lead EKG provide real-time and detailed views of the heart's electrical activity, helping to identify ischemic changes.
Choice C reason: Assessing for elevated Troponin levels is essential because Troponins are cardiac biomarkers that increase significantly when there is damage to the heart muscle, such as during an MI. Elevated Troponin levels are highly specific and sensitive indicators of myocardial infarction, making this assessment crucial.
Choice D reason: Assessing for low magnesium levels is not directly related to diagnosing a myocardial infarction. While magnesium levels are important for overall cardiac function, they do not specifically indicate an acute MI.
Choice E reason: Assessing the client's blood pressure is an important part of a comprehensive assessment and can provide information about the patient's hemodynamic status. However, it is not specific to diagnosing a myocardial infarction.
Choice F reason: Assessing if the pain radiates to the left arm is an important symptom of a myocardial infarction. However, while it supports the suspicion of an MI, it is not as definitive as ST elevation on an EKG or elevated Troponin levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Finger-stick glucose is important for monitoring blood sugar levels, especially in septic patients who may develop hyperglycemia. However, it is not the highest priority compared to obtaining blood cultures and administering antibiotics.
Choice B reason: Obtaining blood cultures x2 is the first priority in managing a patient with sepsis. Identifying the causative organism and determining antibiotic susceptibility is crucial for guiding effective treatment. Blood cultures should be obtained before administering antibiotics to ensure accurate results.
Choice C reason: Tylenol (acetaminophen) 650 mg PO may be given to reduce fever and provide comfort, but it is not the highest priority in the initial management of sepsis. Immediate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are more critical.
Choice D reason: Vancomycin 760 mg IV is an important antibiotic for treating sepsis, especially if a resistant organism is suspected. However, it should be administered after blood cultures are obtained to avoid contaminating the cultures and ensuring accurate identification of the causative organism.
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