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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A 65-year-old male recovering from right lobectomy for treatment of lung cancer is at risk for developing sepsis. Post-surgical patients, especially those with cancer, are at increased risk due to potential infection at the surgical site and a weakened immune system from the cancer and/or its treatment.
Choice B rationale
A 78-year-old female with diabetes mellitus who is recovering from colon surgery is at risk for developing sepsis. Diabetes can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection.
Choice C rationale
A 35-year-old female who is hospitalized with renal insufficiency and has a Foley catheter and central line in place is at risk for developing sepsis. Hospitalized patients, particularly those with invasive devices like catheters and central lines, are at increased risk due to potential introduction of bacteria into the body.
Choice D rationale
A 55-year-old male who is a recent kidney transplant recipient is at risk for developing sepsis. Transplant recipients are often on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection, which can leave them more susceptible to infections.

A. Low urine osmolarity and creatinine clearance. B. Decreasing serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. C. Urine output of less than 30 mL/hr. D. Urine specific gravity of less than 1.010.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Low urine osmolarity and creatinine clearance are not the primary indicators of inadequate renal perfusion in a patient being stabilized after an acute coronary syndrome. These measures reflect the concentration of the urine and the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the blood, respectively. While they can be affected by renal perfusion, they are not the most direct or reliable indicators.
Choice B rationale
A decreasing serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is not typically associated with inadequate renal perfusion. In fact, a high BUN level may indicate that the kidneys aren’t working properly. However, BUN levels can be influenced by many factors, including protein intake and liver function, so they are not the most reliable indicator of renal perfusion.
Choice C rationale
A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr is a common sign of inadequate renal perfusion. The kidneys need adequate blood flow to filter waste products from the blood and produce urine. If renal perfusion is inadequate, urine output can decrease.
Choice D rationale
A urine-specific gravity of less than 1.010 is not typically associated with inadequate renal perfusion. Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. It can be influenced by hydration status and certain kidney disorders, but it is not a direct measure of renal perfusion.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

You’re providing care to four patients. Select all the patients who are at risk for developing sepsis:

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

What nursing assessment finding would suggest inadequate renal perfusion in a patient being stabilized after an acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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