A nurse is interpreting a client's ECG strip. Which of the following components of the ECG should the nurse examine to determine the time it takes for ventricular depolarization and repolarization?

D Normal saline bolus administration is indicated for hypovolemia or inadequate intravascular volume, which can lead to decreased cardiac output and hypotension. In this scenario, the client has an amber urine output of 45ml in the last 3 hours, indicating decreased urine output and potential hypovolemia. The elevated blood pressure (170/67 mmHg) suggests possible volume overload or fluid retention, but the decreased urine output raises concerns for inadequate intravascular volume. Therefore, administering a normal saline bolus may be the first priority to optimize intravascular volume and improve cardiac output.

A Isosorbide mononitrate is a vasodilator commonly used in the treatment of heart failure and angina. It helps reduce preload and afterload, thereby decreasing the workload on the heart. However, in this scenario, the client's blood pressure is elevated (170/67 mmHg), and there is no indication of acute decompensation or pulmonary congestion. Therefore, isosorbide PO may not be the first priority medication at this time.

B Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator commonly used to manage acute heart failure exacerbations and acute coronary syndromes. It helps reduce preload and afterload, improving cardiac output and relieving symptoms of heart failure. In this scenario, the client's blood pressure is elevated, but the heart rate is normal, and there are no signs of acute decompensation. Therefore, initiating a nitroglycerin drip may not be the first priority unless the client develops symptoms of acute decompensation or pulmonary congestion.

C Dopamine is a vasopressor medication that can be used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in patients with hypotension or shock. However, in this scenario, the client's blood pressure is elevated (170/67 mmHg), and there is no evidence of hypotension. Therefore, initiating a dopamine drip may not be appropriate at this time and could potentially exacerbate hypertension.

A. A heart murmur typically indicates turbulent blood flow through a heart valve. This turbulence can occur due to various reasons, such as valve stenosis (narrowing), regurgitation (leakage), or structural abnormalities of the valves. The turbulent flow produces audible sounds that can be heard with a stethoscope during cardiac auscultation.

B. A heart murmur is not caused by blood entering an inflexible chamber. Instead, it is caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart valves. The sound produced by this turbulent flow may vary depending on the underlying pathology of the valve.

C. While heart murmurs can be described based on their characteristics (such as high-pitched or low- pitched), the presence of a heart murmur does not necessarily indicate a narrow valve. Murmurs can occur due to various valve abnormalities, including stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). The pitch and quality of the murmur may vary depending on the underlying pathology and the location of the abnormality.

D. A heart murmur is not typically associated with inflammation around the heart. While inflammation of the heart (such as myocarditis or pericarditis) can cause symptoms and abnormal sounds, these conditions would not be described specifically as a "heart murmur."