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

The correct answer is choice c. Carry out immediate defibrillation.

Choice A rationale:

Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse. However, in the presence of ventricular fibrillation, immediate defibrillation is the priority to restore a viable heart rhythm.

Choice B rationale:

Establishing intravenous (IV) access is important for administering medications during resuscitation. However, it is not the immediate priority when defibrillation is indicated.

Choice C rationale:

Immediate defibrillation is the priority action for a client with ventricular fibrillation who is unresponsive and without a pulse. Defibrillation can quickly restore a normal heart rhythm, which is critical in saving the client’s life.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the client’s latest electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for ongoing treatment but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation where defibrillation is indicated. Immediate action to restore the heart rhythm is more critical.

A. Bradycardia, palpitations, confusion, truncal rash. B. Severe respiratory distress, jugular venous distention, chest pain. C. Low blood pressure and tachycardia. D. Reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, moist cough.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Bradycardia, palpitations, confusion, and truncal rash are not typically associated with septic shock. Septic shock is a severe infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. It can cause organs to fail and can lead to death.
Choice B rationale
Severe respiratory distress, jugular venous distention, and chest pain are more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure or pulmonary embolism, not septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Low blood pressure and tachycardia are common symptoms of septic shock. This happens because the body’s response to the infection causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure. The heart rate often increases (tachycardia) in an attempt to maintain blood flow to the organs.
Choice D rationale
Reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, and a moist cough are not typical symptoms of septic shock. These symptoms are more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure.

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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

Given the electrocardiogram tracing below for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse, what should be the nurse’s priority action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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