A nurse is caring for a client who reports heart palpitations that come and go. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The client is stable. The nurse should anticipate the need for taking which of the following actions?
Elective cardioversion
CPR
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
Defibrillation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Elective cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart. It is generally used for patients with stable atrial or ventricular arrhythmias who do not respond to medication. In the case of stable VT, elective cardioversion might be considered if the arrhythmia is causing symptoms or if the patient’s condition changes
B. CPR is an emergency procedure used when a person’s heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest) or when they are not breathing. It is not indicated for a stable VT because the patient is still stable and conscious, and CPR is not used for arrhythmias like VT in a stable patient.
C. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a procedure used to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause arrhythmias. This is often used as a treatment for recurrent or persistent VT, especially if medication or cardioversion fails to manage the condition effectively. For a stable patient with VT, this treatment might be considered in the long-term management plan rather than as an immediate intervention.
D. Defibrillation is the use of an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of life- threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless VT. It is not used for stable VT because the patient still has a pulse and is not in immediate danger of cardiac arrest
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Spinal cord degeneration is a general term for the deterioration of the spinal cord and doesn't specifically describe the patient's posture.
B. Decorticate posturing is characterized by the arms flexed and adducted, with the wrists and fingers flexed. The legs are extended and adducted, with the feet plantar flexed.
C. Atypical hyperreflexia refers to exaggerated reflexes, not a specific posture.
D. Decerebrate posturing is characterized by the arms extended and pronated, with the wrists and fingers flexed. The legs are stiffly extended with plantar flexion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This client is at risk for other complications such as electrolyte imbalances or heart failure, but not specifically neurogenic shock.
B. This client is experiencing respiratory distress, which is a different type of shock (anaphylactic or septic shock might be considered, but not neurogenic).
C. Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system, often leading to paralysis. It can cause a rapid loss of muscle function, which can result in neurogenic shock due to loss of sympathetic nervous system tone.
D. This client is at risk for hypovolemic shock due to fluid loss, not neurogenic shock.
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