A nurse is providing care for a client following a cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Which of the following alterations are causes of PEA? (Select All that Apply.)
Hypertension
Hypovolemia
Hypoxia
Hyperkalemia
Hypernatremia
Hyperthermia
Correct Answer : B,C,D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. "Have you had any trauma to the eye?": Trauma to the eye can be a significant risk factor for retinal detachment. Inquiring about any history of eye trauma is essential to understand potential causes or contributing factors.
D. "Do you wear sunglasses when in direct sunlight?": Prolonged exposure to sunlight without eye protection can increase the risk of retinal detachment. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent eye damage, including retinal detachment.
E. "Do you take steroids?": Steroid use, especially long-term or systemic steroids, can increase the risk of developing retinal detachment. Steroids may lead to changes in the structure and integrity of ocular tissues, predisposing individuals to retinal detachment.
Options B and C are not directly related to the risk factors for retinal detachment:
B. "Do you regularly lift heavy objects?" - Regularly lifting heavy objects can increase pressure in the eyes, which can contribute to retinal detachment.:
C. "How much sodium is in your diet?": Sodium intake is not directly linked to the risk of retinal detachment. While diet and nutrition play a role in overall eye health, sodium consumption is not a specific risk factor for retinal detachment.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Assess palmar reflex. Assessing the palmar reflex helps evaluate the integrity of the nervous system, particularly in response to tactile stimuli. In clients with severe TBI, abnormal reflexes may indicate neurological impairment and guide further assessment and intervention.
B. Assess for cough reflex. Assessing the cough reflex is important for evaluating airway protection and the risk of aspiration, especially in clients with reduced consciousness level due to TBI.
C. Assess the ability to follow simple commands. Assessing the client's ability to follow simple commands provides valuable information about their level of consciousness and cognitive function. It helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and guides the plan of care, including interventions for communication and cognitive deficits.
D. Assess for Cushing's Triad. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, may occur as a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with severe TBI. Monitoring for Cushing's Triad is crucial for early recognition of elevated ICP and prompt intervention to prevent further neurological damage.
E. Assess for abnormal posturing. Assessing for abnormal posturing, such as decerebrate or decorticate posturing, helps evaluate neurological function and localize brain injury in clients with TBI. Abnormal posturing indicates severe brain damage and may guide decisions regarding treatment and prognostication.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
