A nurse is discussing discharge plans with an older adult client who lives alone and has left-sided weakness following a stroke.
Which of the following information is the priority for the nurse to discuss?

Choice A rationale:

Choosing an agency to provide home physical therapy is important, but it is not the priority in this situation. The client's safety and immediate needs should be addressed first.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining an alert system to get help in case of a fall is the priority for an older adult living alone with left-sided weakness following a stroke. Falls can result in serious injuries, so having an alert system ensures the client can call for assistance promptly, enhancing their safety and well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Providing information about available transportation resources is important for the client's long-term independence and quality of life. However, immediate safety concerns, such as the risk of falls, should be addressed first.

Choice D rationale:

Reviewing information about support groups for individuals who have had a stroke is essential for the client's emotional well-being and social support. However, immediate safety measures, such as fall prevention, take precedence in this scenario.

Choice A rationale:

The described cardiac rhythm with a wavy baseline, no distinguishable P waves, and an increased heart rate is consistent with atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to an irregular and often rapid heart rate. This rhythm is characterized by the absence of distinct P waves on the ECG.

Choice B rationale:

Ventricular asystole is a flatline on the ECG, indicating the absence of electrical activity in the heart. It is a life-threatening arrhythmia and requires immediate intervention with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols.

Choice C rationale:

Second-degree heart block is characterized by intermittent failure of atrial electrical impulses to conduct to the ventricles. This results in occasional dropped beats and a varying heart rate. It is not consistent with the described ECG findings in the question.

Choice D rationale:

Sinus tachycardia is a regular, fast heart rate originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node. In sinus tachycardia, P waves are present, indicating that the electrical impulses originate in the SA node. The described ECG findings do not match the characteristics of sinus tachycardia.