A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation.
Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?

Not palpable.

Slow.

Irregular.

Bounding.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

A pulse that is not palpable indicates severe circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest, not a characteristic of atrial fibrillation. It can be an emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale

A slow pulse, or bradycardia, is not a typical feature of atrial fibrillation. Bradycardia is often associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or beta-blocker therapy rather than atrial fibrillation.

Choice C rationale

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular pulse due to disorganized electrical activity in the atria, leading to inconsistent ventricular contractions. Pulse rate can vary widely.

Choice D rationale

A bounding pulse, which is strong and forceful, is typically associated with conditions like fever or hyperthyroidism rather than atrial fibrillation. Bounding pulses are not characteristic of atrial fibrillation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

The first upward deflection in an ECG represents the P wave, indicating atrial depolarization. It precedes the QRS complex and corresponds to the electrical activity associated with atrial contraction, initiating the cardiac cycle.

Choice B rationale

The peak of the first wave corresponds to the R wave, not the P wave. The R wave is a part of the QRS complex, representing ventricular depolarization, and is not associated with atrial depolarization.

Choice C rationale

The downward deflection following the peak is the S wave, part of the QRS complex, indicating ventricular depolarization. It is not related to the P wave, which specifically represents atrial depolarization.

Choice D rationale

The second upward deflection is the T wave, which represents ventricular repolarization. It follows the QRS complex and is not associated with atrial depolarization or the P wave. .

A. A headache is an expected adverse effect of the medication. B. A headache indicates tolerance to the medication. C. A headache is likely due to anxiety about the chest pain. D. A headache is an indication of an allergy to the medication.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, leading to headaches as a common adverse effect. These headaches are due to the increased blood flow and dilation of cerebral blood vessels.

Choice B rationale

Headaches do not indicate tolerance to nitroglycerin. Tolerance typically presents with a diminished therapeutic effect, not adverse effects like headaches.

Choice C rationale

Anxiety-induced headaches are unlikely since nitroglycerin-induced headaches are a physiological response to vasodilation, not psychological factors.

Choice D rationale

An allergic reaction to nitroglycerin would present with symptoms like rash or itching, not headaches. Headaches are a known and expected adverse effect.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation.Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?

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A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation.
Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?