A patient admitted with urosepsis and alcohol abuse had three seconds of PVCS and returns to sinus tachycardia. The patient's baseline heart rate ie 116/ min with a temperature of 101.1F, respirations of 22/min and blood pressure is 114/64. What should the nurse anticipate to do first?
Administer amiodarone IV
Start Carotid massage
Administer Tylenol
Assess patient LOC
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
First, the nurse should open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver (C) to ensure it is not obstructed. Next, they should determine the effectiveness of ventilatory efforts (B), as breathing is critical and any compromise must be addressed immediately. Following this, establishing IV access (D) is important for fluid resuscitation and medication administration. The nurse should then perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment (E) to determine the level of consciousness and neurological function. Lastly, removing clothing for a thorough assessment (A) is essential, but only after the critical steps concerning airway, breathing, circulation, and disability have been addressed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, can lead to decreased venous return to the heart and reduced filling pressures. Consequently, CVP may decrease in hypovolemic states. Low CVP may indicate inadequate preload and reduced cardiac output, which are characteristic of hypovolemia.
A. Left ventricular failure typically results in elevated filling pressures rather than low CVP. In left ventricular failure, blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary venous pressure and potentially elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), which is a surrogate marker for left atrial pressure. This elevated pressure is reflected in the CVP as well, resulting in increased CVP rather than low CVP.
B. Fluid overload typically results in elevated filling pressures and increased CVP rather than low CVP. Excess fluid volume increases venous return to the heart, leading to increased pressure within the central veins and elevated CVP.
D. Intracardiac shunts may cause alterations in cardiac pressures, but they typically do not result in consistently low CVP. Depending on the type and severity of the shunt, the direction and magnitude of pressure changes may vary. However, in the absence of other pathophysiological factors, intracardiac shunts are less likely to cause consistently low CVP.
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