Please identify the following rhythm:
Ventricular Fibrillation
Atrial Flutter
Ventricular Tachycardia
Asystole
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) is a chaotic, disorganized rhythm that arises from the ventricles of the heart. It is characterized by the absence of distinct QRS complexes, P waves, and T waves on the ECG. Instead, the ECG shows a rapid, irregular pattern of waveforms that vary in amplitude and frequency. This indicates that the electrical activity in the ventricles is completely disorganized, preventing effective contraction of the heart muscle and leading to a lack of cardiac output. VF is a lifethreatening emergency that requires immediate defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Key features of VF on ECG:
Absence of distinct QRS complexes
Absence of P waves
Absence of T waves
Rapid, irregular pattern of waveforms Varying amplitude and frequency of waveforms Pathophysiology of VF:
VF occurs when multiple ectopic foci in the ventricles fire rapidly and asynchronously, leading to disorganized electrical activity. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle)
Electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium or magnesium)
Electrical shock
Certain medications
Drug overdoses
Clinical manifestations of VF:
Loss of consciousness
Absence of pulse
Apnea (absence of breathing)
Cardiac arrest
Treatment of VF:
Immediate defibrillation
CPR
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) medications Choice B rationale:
Atrial Flutter is a rapid, regular atrial rhythm that is characterized by a sawtooth pattern on the ECG. It is caused by a reentrant circuit in the atria, which leads to a rapid firing of atrial impulses. Atrial flutter can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from VF on ECG, but it is important to differentiate between the two rhythms because the treatment is different.
Choice C rationale:
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a rapid, regular ventricular rhythm that is characterized by wide QRS complexes on the ECG. It is caused by an abnormal focus of electrical activity in the ventricles. VT can be life-threatening, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as VF.
Choice D rationale:
Asystole is the absence of any electrical activity in the heart. It is a form of cardiac arrest and is characterized by a flat line on the ECG. Asystole is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate CPR and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. It contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which narrows the arteries and can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. It helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. Therefore, a high HDL level is protective against heart disease.
An elevated LDL level and a lowered HDL level are both associated with an increased risk of CAD. This is because the elevated LDL level contributes to plaque buildup, while the lowered HDL level means that there is less "good" cholesterol available to remove the "bad" cholesterol from the arteries.
Therefore, the statement "Increased LDL and decreased HDL increase my risk of coronary artery disease" indicates an understanding of the significance of these cholesterol levels.
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. An increased LDL level will actually increase the amount of cholesterol deposited on the artery walls.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is also incorrect. A decreased HDL level will decrease the amount of cholesterol moved away from the artery walls.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Increased LDL has the potential to increase, not decrease, the risk of heart disease.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While aspirin can help improve heart function in certain cases, such as by reducing inflammation, it's not accurate to say it directly restores normal heart function. This statement oversimplifies aspirin's mechanism of action and could mislead the client.
It's essential to emphasize aspirin's role in preventing clots, which is the primary reason for its use in coronary artery disease.
Choice B rationale:
Aspirin does not affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. This function is primarily carried out by hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Stating that aspirin increases oxygen-carrying capacity could create misunderstandings about its role in coronary artery disease.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirin does not directly make blood penetrate the heart more freely. Its action primarily involves preventing blood clots from forming within blood vessels.
This statement could lead to a misconception about aspirin's mechanism of action, potentially affecting adherence to treatment.
Choice D rationale:
This is the most accurate and comprehensive response. It directly addresses the client's question and highlights the primary reason for daily aspirin use in coronary artery disease.
Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots that can obstruct coronary arteries and trigger heart attacks or chest pain.
By preventing these blockages, aspirin can help prevent future cardiovascular events and improve the client's overall health outcomes.
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