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?

Choice A rationale
A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart. While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.
Choice B rationale
An Atrioventricular Canal (AVC) defect is a combination of heart problems resulting in a defect in the center of the heart. While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.
Choice C rationale
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart condition characterized by four anatomical abnormalities of the heart. It is the most common cyanotic heart defect and the most common cause of blue baby syndrome. Cyanosis, which is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood, is often seen during periods of activity, such as feeding or crying.
Choice D rationale
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart (atria). While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.

Choice A rationale
Administering Ibuprofen as scheduled is a proper nursing intervention for a patient with pericarditis. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient for complications of cardiac tamponade is a proper nursing intervention for a patient with pericarditis. Cardiac tamponade is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of pericarditis.
Choice C rationale
Placing the patient in a supine position to relieve pain is not a proper nursing intervention for a patient with pericarditis. This position could actually increase the patient’s discomfort.
Instead, the patient should be positioned upright and leaning forward to help relieve pain.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the patient for pulsus paradoxus and muffled heart sounds is a proper nursing intervention for a patient with pericarditis. These are potential signs of worsening pericarditis or complications such as cardiac tamponade.