A nurse is caring for a client who reports heart palpitations. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing ventricular tachycardia (VT). The nurse should anticipate the need for taking which of the following actions?
Elective cardioversion
Defibrillation
CPR
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is: A. Elective cardioversion
Choice A reason:
Elective cardioversion is a medical procedure that is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing certain types of arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (VT), when they are stable. It involves the delivery of a controlled electric shock to the heart, which is synchronized with the heart's electrical activity to convert the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm. This procedure is typically performed when VT is not causing hemodynamic instability and the patient is not in immediate danger.
Choice B reason:
Defibrillation is an emergency treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It involves delivering a high-energy electric shock to the heart unsynchronized to the heart's electrical cycle, aiming to reset the heart's electrical state and allow it to reestablish an effective rhythm. In the scenario provided, where the patient is experiencing VT but not VF, defibrillation would not be the first line of action unless the VT deteriorates into VF or the patient becomes pulseless.
Choice C reason:
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. In the case of VT, if the patient is conscious and has a pulse, CPR is not indicated. CPR would only be necessary if the patient's heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) as a result of the VT.
Choice D reason:
Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a procedure used to treat some types of arrhythmias, including VT, by destroying the area of heart tissue that is causing the abnormal heart rhythm. This treatment is generally considered when medication is ineffective or not tolerated, or in recurrent VT. It is not typically the first line of treatment in an acute setting where the patient is stable and experiencing VT.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that can be used as a biological weapon. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, but some samples of the virus are still stored in laboratories. If released intentionally, smallpox could cause a global pandemic.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because hydrogen cyanide is a chemical weapon of mass destruction, not a biological one. Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless gas that interferes with cellular respiration and causes rapid death.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because botulism is a serious and potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism can be used as a biological weapon by contaminating food or water supplies or by aerosolizing the toxin.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because anthrax is an infection caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon by releasing the spores into the air or by contaminating food or water sources.
Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because sarin is a chemical weapon of mass destruction, not a biological one. Sarin is a nerve agent that blocks the transmission of nerve impulses and causes respiratory failure and death.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the results are not within the expected reference range. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because evaluating urine for amount and for specific gravity can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function. These actions can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function, which may be affected by nausea and vomiting. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion. The normal ranges for BUN are 7 to 20 mg/dL, for creatinine are
0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, and for hematocrit are 38% to 50% for males. The nurse should monitor the urine output and specific gravity, which reflect the concentration and volume of urine. The normal range for urine output is 30 to 60 mL/hour, and for specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is not indicated for this client. This action is used to diagnose urinary tract infections, which are not suggested by the client's symptoms or results.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because decreasing the IV fluid infusion rate and limiting oral fluid intake can worsen the client's dehydration and renal perfusion. The nurse should maintain adequate fluid intake and balance to prevent further complications.
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