The nurse is caring for a client with a pacemaker/ICD on a continuous cardiac monitor. Which trace should require immediate follow up by the nurse? Select all that apply
Pacer spikes are adequate in number.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the P waves.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the QRS waves.
Pacer spikes occur on the T waves.
The heart rate is within programmed parameters.
Correct Answer : D,E
The traces that should require immediate follow-up by the nurse are:
● Pacer spikes occur directly before the T waves.
Pacer spikes occurring on the T waves indicate an issue with the pacemaker's timing or sensing. This could lead to inappropriate pacing or pacing during the refractory period, which can be detrimental to the client's heart function.
● The heart rate is outside of programmed parameters.
If the heart rate is outside of the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it may indicate a malfunction or failure of the device or a change in the client's cardiac status. It is important for the nurse to assess the client's condition and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Let's review the other options and explain why they do not require immediate follow-up:
Pacer spikes are adequate in number: This indicates that the pacemaker is delivering the appropriate number of electrical impulses as programmed. As long as the other parameters are normal, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the P waves: This is the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in normal sinus rhythm. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.
Pacer spikes occur directly before the QRS waves: This is also the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in clients with ventricular pacing. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.
The heart rate is within programmed parameters: If the heart rate falls within the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it indicates that the device is functioning appropriately in maintaining the desired heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should best follow up the assessment finding of an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.40 in the right leg by implementing interventions relevant to arterial narrowing.
An ankle-brachial index is a non-invasive test used to assess peripheral arterial disease (PAD). An ABI value below 0.90 indicates significant arterial narrowing and impaired blood flow to the lower extremities. An ABI of 0.40 suggests severe arterial narrowing, which puts the client at risk for reduced perfusion and potential complications such as tissue ischemia, ulceration, and gangrene.
Implementing interventions relevant to arterial narrowing is crucial in this case. These interventions may include:
- Collaborating with the healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan: This may involve prescribing medications to improve blood flow, such as antiplatelet agents or vasodilators.
- Encouraging lifestyle modifications: This can include smoking cessation, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables.
- Promoting optimal cardiovascular health: This can involve managing other risk factors for arterial narrowing, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
- Educating the client about the signs and symptoms of PAD: This includes teaching them to monitor for changes in skin color, temperature, and sensation in the affected limb, as well as the importance of seeking prompt medical attention if these changes occur.

Let's review the other options:
Assessing the client's use of over-the-counter dietary supplements: While it is important to assess for potential interactions between medications and dietary supplements, this would not be the immediate follow-up action for a severely reduced ABI.
Encouraging the client to increase intake of foods high in vitamin K: While maintaining a balanced diet is important for overall health, increasing vitamin K intake is not specifically indicated for addressing arterial narrowing or improving the ABI.
Adjusting the client's activity level to accommodate decreased coronary output:
Coronary output refers to blood flow to the heart muscle. Arterial narrowing in the leg does not directly affect coronary output. However, it is important to encourage appropriate physical activity for the client based on their overall cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Having a permanent cardiac pacemaker is a significant factor that needs to be communicated to the health care provider before undergoing an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the body. The presence of a cardiac pacemaker can be a contraindication for undergoing an MRI because the strong magnetic field can potentially interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker or cause it to malfunction. It is crucial to assess the compatibility of the pacemaker with the MRI machine and to take appropriate precautions or make necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the client during the procedure.

While the other pieces of information provided may be relevant to the client's overall health and medical history, they may not have a direct impact on the safety or feasibility of undergoing an MRI.
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