The nurse is caring for a client with a heart rate of 48. His blood pressure is 120/80. Which finding will help the nurse determine the cause of the client's bradycardia?

The client has a fever.

The client has possible hemorrhage or bleeding.

The client has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The client has calcium channel blocker medicate prescribed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Fever can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than bradycardia. It is not typically associated with slowing of the heart rate unless there are other complicating factors such as severe infection or medication side effects.
B.   Significant blood loss can lead to hypovolemia (low blood volume), which can result in bradycardia as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure. However, the blood pressure in this scenario is

normal (120/80), which makes severe hemorrhage less likely unless compensated by fluid resuscitation or other factors.
C.   COPD can cause chronic hypoxia and respiratory acidosis, which can lead to chronic respiratory compensation and potentially bradycardia. However, COPD alone is less likely to cause bradycardia in the absence of severe exacerbation or other complicating factors.
D.   Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are medications commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. They work by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells, resulting in decreased heart rate and vasodilation. Bradycardia is a known side effect of CCBs, especially when taken in excess or in combination with other medications that affect heart rate.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Potassium levels are important for assessing electrolyte balance and are not directly indicative of protein intake or synthesis.
B. Calcium levels are important for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction. They are not directly indicative of protein intake or synthesis.
C. Albumin is a plasma protein that reflects the body's nutritional status and liver function. It has a relatively long half-life (approximately 20 days), making it a useful marker for assessing protein intake and synthesis over time. Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, or other conditions affecting protein metabolism.
D. Sodium levels are important for fluid balance and nerve function. They are not directly indicative of protein intake or synthesis.

A. Use IV tubing specific for heparin sodium when administering the infusion. B. Administer 50,000 units of heparin by IV bolus every 12 hr. C. Have vitamin K available on the nursing unit. D. Check the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) every 4 hr.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Heparin should be administered using IV tubing that is specifically labeled for heparin or that has been dedicated for anticoagulant use only. However, this is not the most important action.

B. Heparin is not typically administered as a bolus (large single dose) because of its rapid onset of action and potential for causing bleeding complications. Instead, heparin is usually administered as a continuous IV infusion to achieve and maintain therapeutic anticoagulation.
C. While vitamin K is an antidote for reversing the effects of warfarin (a different type of anticoagulant), it is not used for reversing the effects of heparin. The reversal agent for heparin is protamine sulfate. Therefore, having vitamin K available is not necessary for managing a client receiving heparin.
D. The aPTT is a laboratory test used to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin therapy. It measures the clotting time of blood and helps ensure that the client's heparin infusion is within the desired therapeutic range. Checking aPTT regularly (usually every 4-6 hours initially, then adjusting based on results) is essential to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation and avoid complications like bleeding or clotting.

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The nurse is caring for a client with a heart rate of 48. His blood pressure is 120/80. Which finding will help the nurse determine the cause of the client's bradycardia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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