A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has sinus bradycardia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Measure the client's blood pressure.
Prepare the client for temporary pacing.
Initiate IV fluid therapy for the client.
Administer atropine to the client.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should measure the client's blood pressure first, as sinus bradycardia can cause hypotension and decreased perfusion to vital organs. The nurse should assess the client's hemodynamic status and symptoms before initiating any interventions that may affect their heart rate or rhythm. The other options may be appropriate depending on the severity of the bradycardia and its underlying cause, but they are not the first priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse's priority is to ensure that the client has given informed consent for the surgery, which requires that the client is competent and understands the risks and benefits of the procedure. A client with a high blood alcohol level may not have the mental capacity to consent and may need a legal representative or a court order to proceed with the surgery.
The other actions are important but not as urgent as obtaining consent.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A complete AV block (also called third-degree AV block) is a type of heart block in which there is no electrical communication between the atria and ventricles. This means that the atria and ventricles beat independently of each other, resulting in a slow and irregular pulse. A complete AV block can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart failure.
A permanent pacemaker is a device that sends electrical impulses to the heart to regulate its rhythm and prevent bradycardia (slow heart rate). A permanent pacemaker is indicated for clients with complete AV block and rates slower than 40/min or symptomatic bradycardia.
The other options are not indications for a permanent pacemaker. Vasovagal bradycardia is a temporary drop in heart rate and blood pressure caused by a stimulus that triggers the vagus nerve, such as pain, stress, or straining.
It usually resolves on its own or with simple measures, such as lying down or elevating the legs. Sinus tachycardia is a normal increase in heart rate in response to physical or emotional stress, such as exercise, fever, or anxiety. It usually does not require treatment unless it is caused by an underlying condition or causes symptoms.
Asymptomatic second-degree AV block is a type of heart block in which some of the electrical impulses from the atria are blocked from reaching the ventricles. It may not cause any symptoms or affect the overall heart rate. It may be benign or transient, or it may progress to a more serious type of heart block. It may require monitoring or medication, but not a permanent pacemaker unless it causes symptomatic bradycardia.
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