A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation. In addition to an antidysrhythmic, what medication does the nurse plan to administer?

Choice A reason: Administering a muscle relaxant addresses the symptom of muscle twitching and jerking, but it does not identify or treat the underlying cause. For patients with acute pancreatitis, muscle twitching and jerking could be indicative of a more serious condition.

Choice B reason: While a nutritional imbalance could potentially lead to symptoms like muscle twitching and jerking, in the context of acute pancreatitis, the nurse should consider more specific causes related to the condition. Nutritional imbalances do not usually explain these symptoms in patients with pancreatitis as well as hypocalcemia does.

Choice C reason: A reaction to morphine could include various symptoms such as itching, nausea, or constipation, but muscle twitching and jerking are not common side effects. The nurse should consider other causes related to the patient's condition of acute pancreatitis.

Choice D reason: Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, is a common complication of acute pancreatitis. It can lead to symptoms such as muscle twitching and jerking, as calcium is crucial for proper muscle function and nerve signaling. This makes hypocalcemia the most relevant and accurate interpretation of the patient's symptoms in this context.

Choice A reason: Increasing the rate of IV fluid administration is not the priority action in this situation. Although maintaining adequate fluid levels is important for patients with traumatic brain injuries, the symptoms described (pulse change, increased pulse pressure, and respiratory irregularities) indicate that the patient may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Fluid administration alone will not address this issue and could potentially worsen the condition if not managed carefully.

Choice B reason: The priority action is to notify the provider immediately. The changes in vital signs (decreased pulse, increased pulse pressure, and respiratory irregularities) suggest that the patient may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which is a medical emergency. Immediate notification of the provider is essential for timely intervention to prevent further neurological damage or complications.

Choice C reason: Preparing to give IV pain medication is not the priority in this situation. While managing pain is important, the patient's vital sign changes indicate a more serious underlying issue (potential increased intracranial pressure) that requires immediate medical attention. Pain medication alone will not address the root cause of the symptoms.

Choice D reason: Notifying respiratory therapy for a breathing treatment is not the priority action in this scenario. Although respiratory irregularities are present, the vital sign changes suggest that the patient is experiencing increased intracranial pressure. This requires immediate medical intervention by the provider to manage the underlying condition, rather than solely focusing on respiratory support.