A nurse analyzes a rhythm strip for a patient who has had a myocardial infarction and observes the following: no visible P waves, PR interval not measurable, ventricular rate of 162, R-R interval regular, QRS complex wide and distorted, and QRS duration of 0.18 second.
How should the nurse interpret this cardiac rhythm?
Sinus tachycardia.
Ventricular tachycardia.
Ventricular fibrillation.
Atrial flutter.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Sinus tachycardia is a regular, rapid heart rate caused by rapid firing of the sinoatrial node. It is characterized by a heart rate of greater than 100 beats per minute, and P waves are present before each QRS complex. This does not match the description given.
Choice B rationale
Ventricular tachycardia is a fast, regular beating of the ventricles that may last for only a few seconds or for much longer. In this condition, the ventricular rate is often between 120 and 200 beats per minute, and P waves are not associated with the QRS complexes. This matches the description given.
Choice C rationale
Ventricular fibrillation is a severe condition in which the heart beats with rapid, erratic electrical impulses. This causes the ventricles to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood. The description does not match this condition.
Choice D rationale
Atrial flutter is a condition that shares similarities with atrial fibrillation, both involve an irregular heartbeat. However, atrial flutter is more organized and less chaotic than atrial fibrillation, which can make it more manageable. The description does not match this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Iron supplements for anemia do not typically interact with warfarin (Coumadin). Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of red blood cells, and supplements are often prescribed to patients with anemia to increase their iron levels. While it’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of all medications and supplements a patient is taking, iron supplements are not known to diminish the effects of warfarin.
Choice B rationale
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat fluid retention. It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. While furosemide can interact with other medications, it is not known to diminish the effects of warfarin.
Choice C rationale
Simvastatin (Zocor) is a medication used to control cholesterol levels. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Simvastatin does not typically interact with warfarin to diminish its effects.
Choice D rationale
Yaz (drospirenone/estradiol) is an oral contraceptive that contains estrogen. Estrogen can potentially increase the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, if a patient taking warfarin also takes Yaz, it could potentially diminish the effects of warfarin, making it less effective. This is why it’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of all medications a patient is taking, including oral contraceptives.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Chronic stable angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. It is often triggered by physical activity or emotional stress and is usually relieved by rest or medication such as nitroglycerin. Therefore, a patient statement that the pain goes away after taking a nitroglycerin tablet would help confirm a previous diagnosis of chronic stable angina.
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