A nurse is caring for a client who is alert and oriented and is receiving continuous ECG monitoring.
The cardiac rhythm strip shows a wavy baseline, no distinguishable P waves, and an increased heart rate.
The nurse should identify the cardiac rhythm as which of the following?
Atrial fibrillation.
Ventricular asystole.
Second-degree heart block.
Sinus tachycardia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The described cardiac rhythm with a wavy baseline, no distinguishable P waves, and an increased heart rate is consistent with atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to an irregular and often rapid heart rate. This rhythm is characterized by the absence of distinct P waves on the ECG.
Choice B rationale:
Ventricular asystole is a flatline on the ECG, indicating the absence of electrical activity in the heart. It is a life-threatening arrhythmia and requires immediate intervention with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols.
Choice C rationale:
Second-degree heart block is characterized by intermittent failure of atrial electrical impulses to conduct to the ventricles. This results in occasional dropped beats and a varying heart rate. It is not consistent with the described ECG findings in the question.
Choice D rationale:
Sinus tachycardia is a regular, fast heart rate originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node. In sinus tachycardia, P waves are present, indicating that the electrical impulses originate in the SA node. The described ECG findings do not match the characteristics of sinus tachycardia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Contractures are a risk for this client due to the lack of movement and constant positioning on one side. Contractures occur when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments shorten and tighten, limiting range of motion and flexibility. This can be a result of prolonged immobility or lack of use of the muscles.
Choice B rationale:
Calcium resorption is not a risk for this client. Calcium resorption refers to the process where bone tissue is broken down and calcium is released into the bloodstream. This process is not directly related to immobility or multiple sclerosis.
Choice C rationale:
Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, is also not a direct risk for this client. While immobility can lead to bone loss over time, it does not directly cause hypocalcemia.
Choice D rationale:
Diarrhea is not a risk for this client based on the information provided. Diarrhea can be a symptom of many conditions but there is no indication in the scenario that this client is at risk.
Choice E rationale:
Urinary stasis is a risk for this client due to their immobility. When a person is immobile, urine can pool in the bladder, creating an environment where bacteria can grow, potentially leading to urinary tract infections.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights." This is the correct answer. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights, along with an asymmetrical appearance of the spine when viewed from the back, are clinical manifestations of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during the growth spurt before puberty. Screening for scoliosis typically involves assessing the alignment of the spine and looking for these asymmetries.
Choice B rationale:
Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum is not a typical sign of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily affects the upper back and can cause a side-to-side curvature of the spine, not the sacrum.
Choice C rationale:
Limited range-of-motion of the hips is not a specific indicator of scoliosis. Restricted hip movement might suggest other musculoskeletal issues but is not directly related to scoliosis.
Choice D rationale:
Mild pain in the hip region is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis. While scoliosis can cause discomfort, it typically manifests as back pain, not specifically in the hip region. Pain symptoms can vary widely among individuals and might not be present in all cases of scoliosis.
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