A nurse is planning to conduct a support group for adolescents who have cancer.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include during the orientation phase?

Choice A rationale:

Recording the client's progress in the nurses' notes is important for documentation but does not directly promote communication among staff caring for the client. It is essential for the continuity of care and legal documentation, but it does not facilitate active communication between team members.

Choice B rationale:

Posting swallowing precautions at the head of the client's bed is essential for the client's safety, especially considering the risk of aspiration following a stroke. While it ensures the staff is aware of the precautions, it does not directly promote communication among the staff members.

Choice C rationale:

Having interdisciplinary team meetings for the client on a regular basis is the best choice as it promotes communication among the staff caring for the client. Interdisciplinary team meetings allow healthcare professionals from various disciplines, such as nurses, therapists, and doctors, to collaborate, share information, and discuss the best approach to care for the client. This approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care, addressing both the client's medical and communication needs.

Choice D rationale:

Noting changes in the treatment plan in the client's medical record is crucial for documentation and continuity of care but does not actively promote real-time communication among the staff members. While it is essential for keeping the medical record updated, it does not facilitate immediate communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals.

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.