Mr Jones came to the ER complaining of chest palpitations. He states his heart feels like it is "racing". The nurse found the following rhythm on the monitor. What is the next step would the nurse expect to take first?
Defibrillate
Ask him to blow into a syringe
Draw troponins
Give amiodarone
The Correct Answer is B
B This maneuver, called the Valsalva maneuver, can sometimes help to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of SVT. It involves blowing forcefully into a syringe or performing a similar action that increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can stimulate the vagus nerve and help to slow down the heart rate.
A Defibrillation is a treatment used for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It involves delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the heart with a device called a defibrillator.
C Drawing troponin levels may be appropriate if there is suspicion of myocardial infarction as the cause of chest palpitations or if there are other symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. However, in the context of SVT presenting with chest palpitations and a racing heart, the priority is to address the arrhythmia first
D Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat various types of cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. While it can be effective in certain cases of SVT, it is not typically the first-line treatment or the immediate next step in managing SVT in the emergency department.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Hypotension may result from decreased cardiac output due to hypoxemia and acidosis or as a compensatory response to hypoxia-induced vasodilation. Therefore, monitoring for hypotension is important in ARF.
C. Hypoxemia can impair cerebral perfusion and neuronal function, leading to alterations in mental status ranging from confusion to coma. Decreased level of consciousness is a concerning sign of inadequate oxygenation and should be closely monitored in patients with ARF.
D. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of respiratory failure. In ARF, the respiratory system's inability to adequately oxygenate or ventilate leads to increased work of breathing and feelings of breathlessness. Patients with ARF often experience severe dyspnea as they struggle to maintain adequate gas exchange.
E. Headache is not typically considered a primary manifestation of ARF. However, it may occur as a secondary symptom due to factors such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or acidosis. Patients with ARF may experience headache as a result of cerebral vasodilation in response to hypoxia or as a symptom of underlying conditions contributing to respiratory failure.
B. Nausea is not a typical manifestation of ARF itself. However, it may occur as a secondary symptom due to factors such as hypoxia, acidosis, or medications administered for the management of ARF. While nausea may be present, it is not a direct result of respiratory failure.
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