The nurse is caring for a client who has had a temporary transvenous pacemaker inserted. The cardiac monitor shows pacemaker spikes occurring at various points in the client's own beats such as on the T wave. What action is the nurse's priority?
Instruct the client to remain quiet and refrain from activity
Continue to monitor as this may occur with a transvenous pacemaker
Assess the client's blood pressure and take an apical pulse
Notify the healthcare provider because the pacemaker is not sensing properly
The Correct Answer is D
A. Instructing the client to remain quiet may reduce stress or activity but does not address the issue of the pacemaker not sensing properly.
B. Continuing to monitor without addressing the malfunction is inappropriate because this could lead to complications or inappropriate pacing.
C. Assessing blood pressure and pulse is important for patient safety but the priority is addressing the pacemaker's malfunction by notifying the healthcare provider.
D. The pacemaker should sense the client's intrinsic beats to avoid inappropriate pacing. If it is firing on the T wave or at inappropriate times, it indicates a sensing issue that needs to be addressed by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A low hemoglobin level indicates anemia, not heart failure. While anemia can exacerbate heart failure, it is not the primary indicator.
B. BNP is a biomarker that is elevated in response to heart failure. A level above 100 pg/mL is suggestive of heart failure, and 410 pg/mL indicates significant heart stress and likely acute heart failure.
C. A low sodium level (hyponatremia) can occur in heart failure, but it is not specific enough to confirm the diagnosis. BNP is a more direct indicator of heart failure.
D. This is a normal fibrinogen level and does not indicate heart failure. Fibrinogen is more associated with clotting disorders.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While privacy may be important for a patient who is emotionally distressed, the priority is addressing
the client’s emotional state, not the physical environment.
B. This might be helpful later, but the priority is to explore the patient's feelings and concerns regarding their condition first. Immediate emotional support is more important at this stage.
C. When a patient expresses feelings of hopelessness, as in this case, the nurse must assess for potential suicidal ideation. This is a priority to ensure patient safety and to provide necessary psychological support or intervention.
D. While reassurance is important, providing false or unrealistic expectations can lead to further disappointment. The nurse should focus on addressing emotional distress and offering realistic support rather than giving definitive assurances.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
