A nurse is caring for a client with a ventricular pacemaker who is on ECG monitoring. The nurse understands that the pacemaker is functioning properly when which of the following appears on the monitor strip?
Pacemaker spikes before each QRS complex
Pacemaker spikes after each QRS complex
Pacemaker spikes before each P wave
Pacemaker spikes with each T wave
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pacemaker spikes before each QRS complex: This is the correct answer. In a client with a ventricular pacemaker, the pacemaker spikes should precede each QRS complex on the ECG strip. This indicates that the pacemaker is appropriately stimulating the ventricles to depolarize and initiate a heartbeat. The
presence of pacemaker spikes before each QRS complex signifies that the pacemaker is functioning properly and effectively pacing the ventricles.
B. Pacemaker spikes occurring after each QRS complex would suggest a malfunction or inappropriate timing of the pacemaker. In this scenario, the pacemaker would not be pacing the ventricles as intended. This would be an abnormal finding and would require further assessment and intervention.
C. Pacemaker spikes preceding each P wave would suggest pacing of the atria rather than the ventricles. This would indicate a different type of pacemaker (atrial pacemaker) or inappropriate pacing settings for a ventricular pacemaker. In either case, it would be considered abnormal for a ventricular pacemaker and would require evaluation and possibly reprogramming of the pacemaker.
D. Pacemaker spikes occurring with each T wave would be an abnormal finding and would suggest interference or oversensing by the pacemaker. This could lead to inappropriate pacing or dysrhythmias. It would require further investigation and correction to ensure proper pacemaker function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. In a patient receiving a dobutamine infusion, which is a vasopressor medication used to increase cardiac output, a cool and pale IV infusion site could indicate inadequate perfusion despite treatment. This finding requires immediate action to assess the patient's hemodynamic status and ensure adequate tissue perfusion.
B. Warm and dry extremities are typically indicative of adequate tissue perfusion. In neurogenic shock, vasodilation can lead to warm extremities due to decreased systemic vascular resistance. While this finding may be expected in neurogenic shock, it does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate action if other parameters are stable.
C. Decreased urine output can be indicative of inadequate renal perfusion and impaired kidney function. In a patient with neurogenic shock, maintaining adequate renal perfusion is crucial to prevent acute kidney injury. While decreased urine output warrants close monitoring and intervention, it may not require immediate action unless other signs of worsening perfusion are present.
D. A heart rate of 58 beats/min may be within the normal range for some patients, especially those who are receiving dobutamine, which can have a chronotropic effect. However, in the context of neurogenic shock, bradycardia may indicate a compensatory response to hypotension and decreased tissue perfusion. While bradycardia alone may not always require immediate action, it should prompt further assessment of the patient's hemodynamic status and response to treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Right-sided heart failure leads to congestion of the systemic venous circulation, resulting in increased central venous pressure (CVP). Elevated CVP is a hallmark sign of right-sided heart failure and is often used clinically to assess right ventricular preload and volume status.
A. BNP is a hormone secreted by the heart in response to increased ventricular stretch and volume overload, and its levels are usually elevated in heart failure, including both left-sided and right-sided heart failure.
C. Specific gravity refers to the concentration of solutes in urine and is often used as a measure of urine concentration.
D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a measure of left atrial pressure and left ventricular end- diastolic pressure. In right-sided heart failure, the primary hemodynamic abnormality is congestion of the systemic venous circulation, rather than elevated left-sided pressures.
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