A nurse is caring for a client who reports shortness of breath and heart palpitations. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing ventricular tachycardia (VT). The nurse palpates a rapid carotid pulse with a blood pressure of 70/30, and the client reports feeling dizzy. The nurse should anticipate the need for which priority action?

Initiate external pacing.

Initiate CPR.

Defibrillation.

Synchronized cardioversion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. External pacing is not indicated for ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. Pacing is typically used for bradyarrhythmias.
B. CPR is only necessary if the client is pulseless. Since the client has a pulse, a more appropriate intervention is needed.
C. Defibrillation is used for pulseless VT or ventricular fibrillation, but this client has a pulse and is symptomatic.
D. Synchronized cardioversion is the appropriate intervention for unstable ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. The shock is synchronized to the R wave to prevent inducing ventricular fibrillation.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Assessing for acute pain is unnecessary. Sinus bradycardia is not typically associated with acute pain unless another condition, such as myocardial infarction, is present.
B. Monitoring fluid volume excess is incorrect. Sinus bradycardia is not directly related to fluid overload; however, fluid status may need to be monitored in clients with underlying cardiac conditions.
C. Prevention of falls is correct. Bradycardia can lead to dizziness, hypotension, and syncope, increasing the risk of falls.
D. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm is correct. Continuous monitoring is essential to detect any worsening bradycardia or associated arrhythmias.
E. Assessing for neurologic changes is correct. Bradycardia can reduce cerebral perfusion, leading to symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or syncope.

A. Prolonged PR interval B. Presence of a U wave C. Peaked T waves D. Elevated ST segment

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A prolonged PR interval can be seen in hyperkalemia but is not as characteristic as peaked T waves.
B. A U wave is typically seen in hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
C. Peaked T waves are a hallmark ECG finding in hyperkalemia and occur due to increased repolarization speed.
D. ST segment elevation is more commonly associated with myocardial infarction rather than hyperkalemia.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has undergone diagnostic testing and received a diagnosis of sinus bradycardia. Which interventions are most appropriate and should be included in the client's plan of care? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the lab results and electrocardiogram (ECG) of a patient with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The nurse correlates which ECG finding to a potassium level of 6.8?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Identify the following Cardiac Rhythm:

A nurse is collecting a medication history from a client who is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following medications taken by the client interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury?

Identify the following Cardiac Rhythm:

A nurse is caring for a client who is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach). The nurse recognizes the need for which priority intervention?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous heparin therapy for deep vein thrombosis. The nurse evaluates for side effects of this drug by observing for:

A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who takes furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg daily at home and is receiving 40 mg of furosemide (Lasix) IV daily in the hospital. The nurse is aware that this patient is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

The nurse asks a client who is about to have a cardiac catheterization about any allergies. The client states, "I always get a rash when I eat shellfish." Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

A nurse is reviewing blood pressure classifications with a group of nurses at an in-service meeting. Which of the following should the nurse include as a risk factor for the development of hypertension?