A nurse leaves a coffee shop and sees a man lying on the ground. He is unresponsive and has no pulse and the nurse begins chest compressions. EMS arrives and connects the cardiac monitor displaying this rhythm. Identify the rhythm.
Sinus Rhythm
Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular Fibrillation
Sinus Tachycardia
The Correct Answer is C
A. Sinus rhythm is the normal rhythm of the heart with regular P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves. The presence of a sinus rhythm would mean the heart is pumping blood effectively, so the client would not be pulseless. This is inconsistent with the clinical scenario.
B. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast, regular rhythm originating in the ventricles. VT can lead to pulselessness if not treated, but it has distinct QRS complexes that are wide and regular, unlike the chaotic waveform seen in VF.
C. Ventricular Fibrillation appears as rapid, chaotic electrical activity without identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves. This rhythm prevents the heart from pumping blood, causing the client to be pulseless and unresponsive. VF is the most common arrhythmia associated with sudden cardiac arrest and requires immediate defibrillation.
D. Sinus tachycardia is a fast heart rate (>100 bpm) with regular rhythm, identifiable P waves, and QRS complexes. This rhythm typically occurs in response to stress, fever, or hypovolemia, and the client would have a pulse, which contradicts the scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Client with serum phosphorus level of 4.5 mg/dL: This is within the normal range for phosphorus (2.5-4.5 mg/dL), and the client does not require immediate assessment.
B. Client with serum magnesium level of 1.1 mEq/L who has tremors and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: This is the correct answer. A magnesium level of 1.1 mEq/L is below the normal range (1.5-2.5 mEq/L), and symptoms like tremors and hyperactive reflexes indicate hypomagnesemia, which can lead to serious complications such as arrhythmias.
C. Client with serum potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L who is complaining of abdominal cramping: A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), so this client does not need immediate intervention.
D. Client with serum sodium level of 145 mEq/L who has a dry mouth and is asking for a glass of water: A sodium level of 145 mEq/L is at the upper end of normal (135-145 mEq/L), and the symptoms are likely due to dehydration or a normal response.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The primary concern in this scenario is urinary retention, which can lead to kidney dysfunction (indicated by elevated BUN and creatinine). The priority intervention is relieving the retention by inserting a Foley catheter, which will help restore normal urinary output and prevent further complications.
B. MRI is not an immediate priority when the client is at risk for kidney damage due to urinary retention.
C. While IV fluids may be necessary, the first priority is relieving the obstruction causing urinary retention.
D. Drawing blood is important for assessing the client's condition but is not as urgent as managing urinary retention.
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