A nurse in the Emergency Department is evaluating a patient’s cardiac rhythm. What is the correct interpretation of the rhythm and the appropriate treatment?

Atrial Flutter - Cardioversion

Ventricular Tachycardia - Cardioversion

Atrial Fibrillation - Cardioversion

Ventricular Fibrillation - Defibrillation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Atrial Flutter is a type of arrhythmia where the atria beat regularly, but much faster than usual. The treatment for Atrial Flutter is typically medication, not cardioversion.
Choice B rationale
Ventricular Tachycardia is a fast, abnormal heart rate. It starts in your heart’s lower chambers, or ventricles. Ventricular Tachycardia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening. While cardioversion can be used in some cases, it is not the primary treatment.
Choice C rationale
Atrial Fibrillation is when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly. This causes the atria to twitch, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm. The treatment for Atrial Fibrillation is typically medication, not cardioversion.
Choice D rationale
Ventricular Fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, erratic heartbeat. During Ventricular Fibrillation, the heart quivers and can’t pump any blood, causing cardiac arrest. The treatment for Ventricular Fibrillation is Defibrillation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Daily alcohol use is not a direct contraindication for Propranolol (Inderal), but it’s important to note that alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of propranolol, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Choice B rationale
Propranolol is often used in the treatment of conditions related to heart disease, such as hypertension and angina, and it can also be used in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction.
Choice C rationale
Asthma is a contraindication for the use of Propranolol (Inderal). Propranolol can cause bronchial constriction by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the lungs, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Peptic ulcer disease is not a direct contraindication for Propranolol (Inderal). However, like any medication, Propranolol should be used with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease.

A. A 39-year-old patient who has right calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride B. A 58-year-old patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools C. A 67-year-old patient who has a gangrenous foot ulcer with a weak pedal pulse D. A 50-year-old patient who is reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride could potentially indicate a deep vein thrombosis, this condition is not immediately life-threatening in most cases. The patient would need evaluation and treatment, but other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice B rationale
A patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools could potentially have gastrointestinal bleeding, which would need evaluation. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice C rationale
A patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse would need evaluation and treatment. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice D rationale
A patient reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain could potentially have an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first14.

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A nurse in the Emergency Department is evaluating a patient’s cardiac rhythm. What is the correct interpretation of the rhythm and the appropriate treatment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

If a patient diagnosed with hypertension is prescribed Propranolol (Inderal), what patient history should prompt the nurse to consult with the healthcare provider before administering this drug?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

After receiving a change-of-shift report, which patient admitted to the emergency department should the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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