A nurse is caring for a client with chest pain who becomes unresponsive. The client is pulseless and apneic. The code team places the client on the monitor, which indicates ventricular fibrillation. What is the next priority action?
Amiodarone administration
Defibrillation
Epinephrine administration
Synchronized Cardioversion
The Correct Answer is B
A. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used after defibrillation and CPR in persistent ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, it is not the first priority.
B. Defibrillation is the immediate priority in a pulseless client with ventricular fibrillation. Early defibrillation increases the chances of survival. The shock should be delivered as soon as possible.
C. Epinephrine is given after the first defibrillation and CPR cycle, not before.
D. Synchronized cardioversion is inappropriate because it is used for unstable tachyarrhythmias with a pulse, not pulseless VF.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Complete heart block (third-degree AV block) is characterized by a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity, with P waves and QRS complexes occurring independently of each other.
B. Sinus tachycardia presents with a regular rhythm, a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, and distinct P waves preceding each QRS complex.
C. Idioventricular rhythm occurs when the heart's primary pacemakers fail, leading to a slow ventricular rate (usually 20-40 bpm) with wide QRS complexes and no preceding P waves.
D. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by a rapid ventricular rate (typically >100 bpm), wide QRS complexes, and an absence of P waves. VT can be sustained or non-sustained and may require immediate intervention if the patient is unstable.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dyspnea is the priority finding as it may indicate heart failure or pulmonary embolism, both of which are life-threatening complications of infective endocarditis.
B. Anorexia is a common symptom but is not an immediate threat to the client's condition.
C. Malaise is a general symptom of infection but does not require urgent intervention.
D. Fever is a hallmark sign of infection but is not as critical as assessing for complications such as heart failure or embolic events.
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