A nurse is suctioning the endotracheal tube of a client who is on a ventilator. The client's heart rate increases from 86/min to 110/min and becomes irregular. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Obtain a cardiology consult.
Perform pre-oxygenation prior to suctioning.
Suction the client less frequently.
Administer an antidysrhythmic medication.
The Correct Answer is B
B. This is advised to prevent hypoxemia, which can manifest as tachycardia and arrhythmia, conditions indicated by an increased and irregular heart rate. Pre-oxygenation helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which can be compromised during the suctioning process.
A. Obtaining a cardiology consult might be necessary if the client's heart rate increases and becomes irregular. However, it's not the immediate action the nurse should take. This option is more appropriate for addressing the underlying cause of the client's dysrhythmia rather than the immediate management during suctioning.
C. Suctioning the client less frequently might be appropriate if the client's response to suctioning is causing distress or physiological changes like increased heart rate. However, if suctioning is necessary due to secretions in the airway, simply reducing the frequency might not be sufficient to address the client's cardiovascular response.
D. Administering an antidysrhythmic medication should be considered if the client's heart rate increases and becomes irregular during or after suctioning, especially if the dysrhythmia persists or worsens.
However, this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider and after assessing the client's overall condition, including potential causes of the dysrhythmia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism aimed at increasing cardiac output and maintaining tissue perfusion. In response to decreased perfusion, the body increases heart rate to improve circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.
A. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not typically associated with the compensatory stage of shock. Instead, electrolyte imbalances may develop later in the progression of shock due to tissue hypoperfusion and metabolic disturbances.
C. Mottled skin, characterized by patchy discoloration due to uneven blood flow, is more commonly seen in the progressive or irreversible stages of shock. It indicates significant tissue hypoperfusion and impaired microcirculation, rather than the compensatory stage
D. This blood pressure reading is within the normal range and may be maintained during the compensatory stage of shock. Initially, blood pressure may be maintained or only slightly decreased due to compensatory mechanisms such as vasoconstriction. However, blood pressure can decrease further as shock progresses beyond the compensatory stage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Assessing the patient's level of consciousness (LOC) is essential to determine their neurological status and assess for any signs of deterioration. Changes in LOC could indicate worsening sepsis, hypoperfusion, or other underlying issues that require immediate attention.
A. Administering amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic medication, is not the first action to take in this situation. While amiodarone may be used to manage certain arrhythmias, its use should be based on a thorough assessment and specific arrhythmia diagnosis. In this case, with only three seconds of PVCs followed by sinus tachycardia, immediate administration of amiodarone is not warranted.
B. Carotid massage is not indicated in this scenario. Carotid massage is typically used to slow down or terminate supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). However, it is contraindicated in patients with a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), carotid artery disease, or recent myocardial infarction (MI). Furthermore, PVCs are not typically responsive to carotid massage.
C. Administering Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be appropriate in this situation. The patient's elevated temperature (101.1°F) suggests the presence of fever, which could contribute to the patient's tachycardia. Lowering the fever with acetaminophen may help reduce the heart rate and alleviate symptoms associated with fever, such as discomfort.
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