Given the electrocardiogram tracing below for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse, what should be the nurse’s priority action?
Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Establish intravenous (IV) access.
Carry out immediate defibrillation.
Check the client’s latest electrolyte levels.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice c. Carry out immediate defibrillation.
Choice A rationale:
Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse. However, in the presence of ventricular fibrillation, immediate defibrillation is the priority to restore a viable heart rhythm.
Choice B rationale:
Establishing intravenous (IV) access is important for administering medications during resuscitation. However, it is not the immediate priority when defibrillation is indicated.
Choice C rationale:
Immediate defibrillation is the priority action for a client with ventricular fibrillation who is unresponsive and without a pulse. Defibrillation can quickly restore a normal heart rhythm, which is critical in saving the client’s life.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client’s latest electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for ongoing treatment but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation where defibrillation is indicated. Immediate action to restore the heart rhythm is more critical.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A pleural friction rub, which is a grating sound caused by the inflammation of the pleural surfaces during respiration, is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. It is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the lungs, such as pneumonia or pleurisy.
Choice B rationale
Distended neck veins are a classic sign of cardiac tamponade. This occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium as a result of the impaired filling of the ventricles. This is a critical sign that should be reported immediately.
Choice C rationale
Widening pulse pressure (an increase in the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. In fact, cardiac tamponade more commonly presents with a narrowed pulse pressure.
Choice D rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically a sign of cardiac tamponade. More commonly, tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is observed in response to decreased cardiac output.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cramping of the toes is not typically associated with a positive Homans sign. Homans sign is a test used to check for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg. While cramping can occur with DVT, it is not specific to this condition and can occur with many other conditions.
Choice B rationale
Blanching of the sole is not associated with a positive Homans sign. Blanching, or whitening of the skin, can occur with various conditions, but it is not a typical sign of DVT45.
Choice C rationale
Resisting dorsiflexion is not a typical response indicating a positive Homans sign. While pain or resistance during dorsiflexion of the foot can occur with various conditions, it is not a specific sign of DVT45.
Choice D rationale
Pain in the calf area during dorsiflexion of the foot (Homans sign) can indicate a positive sign for DVT. However, it’s important to note that Homans sign is not a reliable or definitive test for DVT. Other diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
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