A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for atrial fibrillation rapid ventricular rate of 130 beat/min with confusion. The client's blood pressure is 87/50. What order should the nurse expect to receive from the provider?

Tell the patient to bare down

Administer Lidocaine drip

Administer Amiodarone drip

Administer a beta blocker

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic medication commonly used for the acute management of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. It works by blocking multiple ion channels, prolonging the action potential duration, and slowing conduction in the atria and ventricles. Amiodarone is often used when other interventions such as vagal maneuvers or beta blockers are ineffective or contraindicated. In this scenario, where the patient is hypotensive and symptomatic, intravenous amiodarone may be administered to control the ventricular rate and stabilize hemodynamics

A. Bearing down, or the Valsalva maneuver, is a vagal maneuver that can sometimes help slow the heart rate in certain arrhythmias by increasing parasympathetic tone. However, it may not be effective or safe in all situations, especially if the patient is hypotensive or confused. In this scenario, immediate pharmacological intervention is likely needed to control the heart rate and stabilize hemodynamics.

B. Lidocaine is not typically used to treat atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. Lidocaine is a Class IB antiarrhythmic medication primarily used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It is not considered a first-line agent for atrial fibrillation and may not effectively control the ventricular rate in this situation.

D. While beta blockers are commonly used for rate control in atrial fibrillation, they may not be the best choice in this scenario where the patient is hypotensive and symptomatic. Beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure and exacerbate hypotension, especially in patients with compromised hemodynamics. In such cases, other rate-controlling agents like calcium channel blockers or amiodarone may be preferred.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. A drop in oxygen saturation may indicate inadequate oxygenation, which could be due to airway obstruction or retained secretions.

A. While audible expiratory wheezes may indicate airway obstruction or secretions, they do not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation.

B. An elevated respiratory rate may suggest increased work of breathing, which could be due to retained secretions or airway obstruction. However, an elevated respiratory rate alone may not always indicate the need for suctioning.

C. The timing of the last suctioning episode is an important consideration when determining the need for suctioning. However, it should not be the sole indicator for when to suction.

A. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low. B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated. C. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 56 mm Hg D. Heart rate is slow at 58 beats/min.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) reflects the average pressure in the arteries during one cardiac cycle and is an important indicator of tissue perfusion. A MAP of 56 mm Hg is below the normal range (typically >60 mm Hg) and may indicate inadequate tissue perfusion. While norepinephrine is commonly used to increase blood pressure and improve tissue perfusion in hypotensive patients, a MAP of 56 mm Hg suggests that the current infusion rate may not be sufficient to maintain adequate perfusion, and adjusting the infusion rate may be warranted.

A. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication primarily used to increase blood pressure in patients with hypotension or shock. A low pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) suggests decreased preload, which may indicate hypovolemia or inadequate fluid resuscitation. In this case, adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate may not be necessary, but rather addressing the underlying cause of hypovolemia or inadequate preload.

B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) represents the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. An elevated SVR may suggest vasoconstriction, which could be a desired effect of norepinephrine infusion to increase blood pressure. Therefore, an elevated SVR may not necessarily indicate a need to adjust the norepinephrine infusion rate, as it may reflect the medication's intended action.

D. Norepinephrine primarily acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors to increase blood pressure by inducing vasoconstriction. While it may cause reflex bradycardia due to increased systemic vascular resistance, a heart rate of 58 beats/min may be within an acceptable range depending on the patient's clinical condition and baseline heart rate. Therefore, a slow heart rate alone may not necessarily indicate a need to adjust the norepinephrine infusion rate unless it is associated with signs of inadequate tissue perfusion or other concerning symptoms.

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A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted for atrial fibrillation rapid ventricular rate of 130 beat/min with confusion. The client's blood pressure is 87/50. What order should the nurse expect to receive from the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which assessment finding by the nurse caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous norepinephrine IV infusion. Which finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is evaluating the central venous pressure (CVP) of a client who has sustained multiple traumas. Which of the following interpretations of a low CVP pressure should the nurse make?

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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 caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?