A patient diagnosed with electrolyte imbalance induced ventricular tachycardia questions the need for more bananas in their diet.
What is the best information the nurse can give the patient?
Bananas are high in fiber.
Bananas are high in manganese.
Bananas are low in sodium.
Bananas are high in potassium.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
While bananas do contain fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels, it is not the most relevant information for a patient with electrolyte imbalance induced ventricular tachycardia. The primary focus should be on addressing the electrolyte imbalance, specifically potassium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Bananas do contain manganese, an essential mineral that plays a role in bone health, metabolism, and wound healing. However, manganese is not directly involved in regulating electrolytes or heart rhythm. Therefore, it's not the most pertinent information for this patient's condition.
Choice C rationale:
While it's true that bananas are relatively low in sodium, this information is not as crucial for a patient with electrolyte imbalance induced ventricular tachycardia. Potassium, not sodium, is the electrolyte that's most likely to be deficient in this condition and needs to be addressed.
Choice D rationale:
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a crucial electrolyte that plays a vital role in regulating heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can lead to various cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, increasing potassium intake through dietary sources like bananas can be an effective strategy to help manage electrolyte imbalance and potentially reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by the absence of P waves on the ECG, the presence of fibrillatory waves, and an irregularly irregular rhythm. This is due to chaotic electrical activity in the atria, which results in disorganized atrial contractions. The fibrillatory waves, which are often described as "f" waves or "sawtooth" waves, represent the rapid and irregular electrical activity in the atria. They are typically best seen in lead II, V1, or V2 of the ECG.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the key features of AF that support this answer:
Absence of P waves: In normal sinus rhythm, the P wave represents the electrical impulse that originates in the sinoatrial (SA) node and depolarizes the atria. In AF, the SA node is no longer in control of the atrial rhythm, and there is no organized atrial depolarization. As a result, P waves are absent on the ECG.
Presence of fibrillatory waves: The fibrillatory waves seen in AF represent the disorganized electrical activity in the atria. They are typically irregular in amplitude and frequency, and they can vary in appearance from patient to patient.
Irregularly irregular rhythm: The ventricular rhythm in AF is also irregular because the impulses from the atria are not conducted to the ventricles in a regular pattern. This results in an irregularly irregular rhythm, which is a hallmark feature of AF.
Key points to remember:
AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia.
It can be asymptomatic or cause a variety of symptoms, including palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
AF is a risk factor for stroke and heart failure.
Treatment for AF may include medications to control heart rate or rhythm, blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke, and in some cases, procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 48 is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate assessment and intervention. The heart rate is significantly below the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute, which means that the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and even syncope (fainting). In severe cases, it can progress to cardiac arrest and death.
The patient is awaiting pacemaker placement, indicating that the bradycardia is severe and not responding to other treatment measures. This further underscores the urgency of assessment and intervention.
The nurse needs to assess the patient immediately for signs of hemodynamic instability, such as hypotension, altered mental status, and decreased urine output. The nurse should also obtain a 12-lead ECG to confirm the diagnosis of sinus bradycardia and to rule out other potential causes of the bradycardia, such as AV block or medication effects.
Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition and to avoid potentially lifethreatening complications.
Choice B rationale:
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that is characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the heart's upper chambers (atria). It can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is often used to control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. While it is important to monitor patients who are newly started on diltiazem for potential side effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia, it is not as urgent as assessing a patient with severe sinus bradycardia.
Choice C rationale:
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often caused by a blood clot. It can cause pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area.
IV heparin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to prevent blood clots from forming or getting larger. While it is important to monitor patients who are receiving IV heparin for potential side effects, such as bleeding, it is not as urgent as assessing a patient with severe sinus bradycardia.
Choice D rationale:
End-stage, right-sided heart failure is a serious condition that is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively from the right ventricle to the lungs. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, edema, and abdominal swelling.
Hospice care is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and quality of life for patients who are nearing the end of life. While it is important to provide supportive care for patients who are on hospice care, it is not as urgent as assessing a patient with severe sinus bradycardia.
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