H/P
Four hours after her arrival to the emergency department, the patient remains in second-degree type II heart block and her vital signs are stable. She is transferred to a telemetry unit to prepare for insertion of a permanent pacemaker later in the day. When she gets out of bed to use the restroom, she felt faint and had to sit on the floor. The nurse finds her sitting on the floor beside the commode; the patient is awake but somewhat confused. The patient is assisted back to bed. The nurse notes that the ECG monitor shows that the patient's heart rate is at 40 beats/minute and she is now in third degree heart block. The Rapid Response team is called, and preparations are made for the immediate application of a transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP).
Which nursing actions should be included in the plan of care for the patient (Select All that Apply.)
Prepare to administer epinephrine
Monitor vital signs and ECG
Reassure the patient that the Transcutaneous Pacemaker is temporary
Prepare to administer atropine
Place both transcutaneous pacemaker pads on the chest over the heart
Provide analgesia as needed after the transcutaneous pacemaker is placed
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E,F
B. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is essential for assessing the patient's hemodynamic status and response to treatment.
Additionally, continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring allows for real-time assessment of cardiac rhythm and conduction abnormalities.
C. This is an important nursing action to provide comfort and reduce anxiety for the patient. Transcutaneous pacing is often used as a temporary measure to stabilize heart rate and cardiac output until more definitive treatment, such as insertion of a permanent pacemaker, can be performed.
D. Atropine is another medication commonly used in ACLS protocols for symptomatic bradycardia and heart block. It acts to increase heart rate by blocking vagal tone. However, its effectiveness in third- degree heart block may be limited, and transcutaneous pacing is often the preferred intervention in this situation.
E. Correct placement of transcutaneous pacemaker pads is crucial for effective pacing. The pads should be placed on the chest over the heart to deliver electrical impulses and stimulate myocardial contraction. Proper placement ensures optimal pacing effectiveness and patient safety.
F. This nursing action addresses the patient's comfort and pain management following the placement of the transcutaneous pacemaker. The procedure may cause discomfort or pain, and appropriate analgesia should be provided to alleviate any discomfort and promote patient comfort.
A. Epinephrine is a medication commonly used in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols for bradycardia and heart block. In this scenario, the patient's heart rate has decreased to 40 beats/minute, indicating symptomatic bradycardia and potential hemodynamic instability. Epinephrine may be administered to increase heart rate and improve cardiac output.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Oral hygiene is crucial in reducing the risk of VAP as it helps to reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, which can be aspirated into the lower respiratory tract. Using a suction toothbrush to mechanically remove dental plaque and bacteria from the teeth and oral mucosa can help to prevent VAP.
A. Elevating the head of the bed to between 30 and 45 degrees (semi-recumbent position) is recommended to prevent aspiration of oral or gastric contents, which can contribute to the development of VAP. This position helps to promote drainage of secretions and reduces the risk of reflux.
B. While maintaining appropriate humidity levels in the ventilator tubing helps to prevent drying of the respiratory mucosa and promote secretion clearance, it does not directly reduce the risk of VAP. Other interventions are more directly related to VAP prevention.
C. Regular turning and repositioning of the client help to prevent pooling of secretions, improve ventilation-perfusion matching, and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Turning the client every 2 hours is often recommended to optimize lung expansion and secretion clearance, thereby reducing the risk of VAP.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
B. stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction (systole) of the heart. Changes in stroke volume directly affect cardiac output. An increase in stroke volume leads to an increase in cardiac output, while a decrease in stroke volume results in a decrease in cardiac output. Factors that can affect stroke volume include preload, afterload, and contractility of the heart.
C. Heart rate refers to the number of heartbeats per minute. Heart rate directly affects cardiac output by determining how frequently the heart contracts and pumps blood. An increase in heart rate (tachycardia) leads to an increase in cardiac output, while a decrease in heart rate (bradycardia) results in a decrease in cardiac output. Factors such as sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, hormones, and medications can influence heart rate.
A. Respiratory rate does not directly affect stroke volume or heart rate but changes in respiratory rate can indirectly impact cardiac output through their effects on venous return and preload.
D. Blood pressure represents the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. While blood pressure does not directly affect cardiac output, it is influenced by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (SVR).
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