A nurse on a telemetry unit is caring for a client who has a history of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The client reports feeling lightheaded and feeling heart beats in their chest. In a client having PVCs, which of the following findings would the nurse expect when auscultating the client's apical pulse?
Irregular pulsations
Bounding pulsations
Tachycardia
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is A
A. Irregular pulsations: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are abnormal heartbeats originating in the ventricles, causing irregularities in the heart rhythm. Auscultating the apical pulse during PVCs may reveal irregular pulsations due to the irregular timing of ventricular contractions.
B. Bounding pulsations: Bounding pulsations are typically associated with conditions such as hypertension or aortic valve regurgitation but are not specifically characteristic of PVCs.
C. Tachycardia: PVCs may occur in the setting of tachycardia, but the presence of PVCs themselves does not necessarily indicate a rapid heart rate. The rhythm may be irregular due to PVCs, but the overall heart rate may not be consistently elevated.
D. Bradycardia: PVCs are not typically associated with bradycardia. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate, while PVCs involve premature extra beats originating from the ventricles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees helps prevent aspiration, which is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
B. Performing hand hygiene before touching the ventilator tubing is crucial to prevent the introduction of pathogens into the ventilator system.
C. Refraining from suctioning the client is incorrect; suctioning should be performed as needed to keep the airway clear.
D. Providing mouth care every 2-4 hours can reduce the risk of pathogens entering the lower respiratory tract.
E. Performing hand hygiene before touching the client reduces the risk of transmitting infectious agents to the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Document how many inches the tube has been inserted: While documentation of the tube insertion depth is important, it is not the highest priority immediately after intubation. Ensuring proper placement and ventilation take precedence.
B. Auscultate both lungs for the presence of breath sounds: This is the priority action to confirm that the endotracheal tube is correctly placed in the trachea and that both lungs are being ventilated adequately. Absence of breath sounds on one side could indicate mainstem intubation or displacement of the tube.
C. Secure the endotracheal tube to prevent dislodgement: Securing the tube is important, but it should be done after confirming proper placement and ventilation.
D. Obtain a chest x-ray to ensure correct tube placement: While a chest x-ray is often performed after intubation to confirm tube placement, it is not the immediate priority. Auscultation provides more immediate feedback on the effectiveness of ventilation.
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