A patient admitted to the unit displays the following cardiac rhythm on telemetry. What is the estimated heart rate?

A. The symptoms indicate an acute coronary episode and should be treated as such:

The client's symptoms, including sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest and a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), strongly suggest an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Pale, cool skin can also be indicative of decreased perfusion due to cardiac compromise. Given these critical signs and symptoms, the nurse should interpret this as a potential cardiac emergency and initiate immediate interventions aimed at managing and stabilizing the client's condition.

B. The symptoms indicate angina and should be treated as such:

While angina can present with symptoms such as chest pain, it is typically relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the client in this scenario has midsternal chest pain that is not relieved with rest, which is more indicative of an acute coronary event like a myocardial infarction. Therefore, interpreting the symptoms as angina and treating them as such may not be appropriate given the severity and persistence of the chest pain.

C. Treatment should be determined pending the results of an exercise stress test:

Waiting for the results of an exercise stress test is not appropriate in this scenario, as the client's presentation suggests an acute cardiac event that requires immediate intervention. Exercise stress tests are typically used for diagnostic purposes to assess cardiovascular function under controlled conditions but are not suitable for managing acute coronary episodes or emergencies.

D. The symptoms indicate a pulmonary etiology rather than a cardiac etiology:

While some symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, can overlap between cardiac and pulmonary conditions, the client's presentation with sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest, pale cool skin, and a history of CAD strongly suggests a cardiac etiology, specifically an acute coronary event. It is essential to prioritize cardiac assessment and intervention based on the client's symptoms and medical history.

A. "I will have canned chicken noodle soup with crackers and an apple for lunch": Canned soups are often high in sodium, and crackers can also contribute to sodium intake. This meal choice would not align with a low-sodium diet.

B. "I will have a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch": Processed meats like ham and cheese can be high in sodium, especially if they are not low-sodium options. This choice may not be suitable for a low-sodium diet unless specific low-sodium products are used.

C. "I will have a BLT and a side salad with cheese and croutons for lunch": Bacon, cheese, and croutons are all sources of sodium, so this meal would likely not be appropriate for a low-sodium diet unless modifications are made, such as using low-sodium bacon and limiting cheese and crouton amounts.

D. "I will have a baked potato with broiled chicken for dinner": This statement indicates an understanding of choosing low-sodium options. Baked potatoes and broiled chicken are generally low in sodium, especially if prepared without added salt or high-sodium seasonings. This choice aligns well with a low-sodium diet for someone with heart failure.