A nurse is planning care for a client who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that has not improved after pharmacologic treatment. Which of the following procedures should the nurse anticipate the health care provider ordering?

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) refers to a situation in which an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows electrical activity in the heart, but there is no effective mechanical activity and no palpable pulse. PEA can result from various underlying conditions that impair cardiac function or compromise circulation.

A. Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction, it is not a direct cause of PEA.

B. Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, is a common cause of PEA. Reduced circulating blood volume leads to decreased preload and inadequate filling of the heart chambers, impairing cardiac output. This can result in ineffective cardiac contractions and the development of PEA.

C. Hypoxia: Hypoxia, or inadequate oxygenation of tissues, is a significant cause of PEA. Insufficient oxygen delivery to the myocardium impairs cardiac function and can lead to ineffective cardiac contractions. Without adequate oxygenation, the heart is unable to generate sufficient mechanical force to maintain circulation, resulting in PEA.

D. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, or elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can cause PEA by disrupting cardiac electrical activity. Excessive potassium ions in the extracellular fluid alter the normal myocardial action potential, leading to cardiac conduction abnormalities and potential arrhythmias, including PEA.

E. Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated levels of sodium in the blood, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms and dehydration, it does not directly impair cardiac electrical activity or mechanical function to the extent that it causes PEA.

F. Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While extreme hyperthermia can lead to cardiovascular complications such as heat stroke, it is not a common cause of PEA unless it is associated with severe systemic metabolic derangements.

A. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and Bell's palsy: Bell's palsy, a condition characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, does not directly increase the risk of complications following CABG surgery. While Bell's palsy may affect facial muscle function, it typically does not impact respiratory function or cardiovascular stability during surgery.

B. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic diverticulitis: Chronic diverticulitis, inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the colon, is not directly related to increased risk for complications following CABG surgery. While diverticulitis may require medical management and dietary modifications, it does not typically affect cardiovascular or respiratory function during surgery.

C. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic allergies: Chronic allergies, while they may cause respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion or rhinitis, are not typically associated with increased risk for complications following CABG surgery. Allergies alone are unlikely to significantly impact cardiovascular stability or respiratory function during surgery compared to conditions such as COPD.

D. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A client with CAD and COPD is at the highest risk for complications following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. COPD is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and increased airway resistance, often accompanied by emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These respiratory impairments can significantly impact the client's ability to tolerate anesthesia, mechanical ventilation, and postoperative respiratory function. COPD increases the risk of complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, exacerbation of COPD, and respiratory failure following CABG surgery.