The nurse is caring for a client with a permanent biventricular pacemaker. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Avoid use of the microwave for three months
Use cellular phone sparingly
Resume outdoor activities in two days
No heavy lifting for two months
The Correct Answer is D
A) Avoid use of the microwave for three months:
Microwaves do not interfere with pacemaker function. Modern pacemakers are designed to be resistant to electromagnetic interference from household devices like microwaves. Therefore, there is no need to avoid microwave use. The nurse should focus on other areas of safety that are more pertinent to the functioning of the pacemaker.
B) Use cellular phone sparingly:
Cellular phones generally do not interfere with the operation of most modern pacemakers. The nurse may advise the client to avoid holding a mobile phone directly over the pacemaker (i.e., on the chest) for prolonged periods, but there is no need to avoid using the phone entirely. Current guidelines suggest using the phone on the opposite ear from the side of the pacemaker if concerned, but the phone itself does not pose a significant risk.
C) Resume outdoor activities in two days:
Although outdoor activities may be safe after some time, the client should avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for a period after receiving a pacemaker. The recommended rest period after pacemaker placement typically ranges from several days to a few weeks, depending on the individual and the procedure. However, resuming outdoor activities like walking or mild exercise is often appropriate earlier than two days, but not in all cases, and should be guided by the healthcare provider.
D) No heavy lifting for two months:
After the insertion of a biventricular pacemaker (which is often used in cases of heart failure), the patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6-8 weeks to allow the lead wires to properly stabilize within the heart and to reduce the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads. Lifting objects heavier than 10-15 pounds (4.5-7 kg) can strain the chest muscles and disrupt pacemaker lead placement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Description of injury, vital signs during surgery, and current vital signs:
This information is crucial for the ICU nurse to understand the nature of the injury, how the patient responded during surgery, and their current hemodynamic status. Vital signs during surgery provide insight into the patient's cardiovascular stability and response to anesthesia, blood loss, and interventions. Current vital signs are important to monitor for any postoperative complications.
B) Description of operative procedure and patient tolerance:
The ICU nurse needs to know the details of the surgery performed, such as the type of trauma repair and any complications that may have occurred during the procedure. Understanding how the patient tolerated the surgery (e.g., any complications such as hypotension or arrhythmias) is important for planning post-operative care and anticipating potential issues in the ICU.
C) Total intake and output (IV fluids, blood products, urine/chest tube output, blood loss):
Tracking fluid balance is critical in trauma patients, especially those who have suffered significant blood loss. IV fluids, blood products, and other inputs (such as urine and chest tube output) provide vital information on the patient's circulatory status and renal function. Blood loss is also important to monitor, as it may need to be replaced, and fluid status affects the patient's recovery.
D) Presence of the patient's spiritual advisor and family:
Although family presence can be an important part of patient care, especially in a trauma situation, it is not essential information for the ICU nurse to receive during a report. While the ICU nurse may ask for family updates and visitor information, the focus of the report should be on the patient's clinical status and post-operative needs.
E) Medications administered during surgery and IV access sites:
The ICU nurse must know the medications administered during surgery, especially anesthesia agents, antibiotics, and analgesics, to understand their effects and anticipate any needed follow-up care, such as pain management or monitoring for adverse reactions. Knowing the IV access sites (e.g., central line, peripheral IV) is important for administering medications, fluids, and for monitoring potential complications related to vascular access.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Equal but sluggishly reactive pupils:
Pupillary changes, including sluggish or unequal responses, are significant signs of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) and should be monitored closely. However, altered level of consciousness (LOC) is typically one of the earliest signs of increased ICP. The response of the pupils to light can become abnormal later, once pressure increases within the brain, particularly when brainstem function is impacted.
B) Widening pulse pressure:
A widening pulse pressure is part of Cushing’s triad, which is a late sign of increased ICP. Cushing’s triad consists of hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations (often seen as Cheyne-Stokes). These changes occur in the later stages of elevated ICP as a compensatory mechanism to preserve cerebral perfusion. While this is an important finding, altered LOC would precede the development of Cushing’s triad.
C) Altered level of consciousness:
Altered level of consciousness (LOC) is typically the first and most sensitive indicator of increased ICP. As pressure increases within the skull, it compresses brain tissue and affects the brainstem, which controls basic functions like consciousness. LOC can range from mild confusion and disorientation to full loss of consciousness or coma, depending on the severity of the ICP increase.
D) Tachycardia and hypotension:
Tachycardia and hypotension can be associated with shock or other conditions, but they are not characteristic of early increased ICP. In fact, as ICP rises, the body typically responds with bradycardia (slower heart rate) and hypertension (increased blood pressure), which are part of the compensatory mechanisms.
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