The nurse is caring for a client with sinus bradycardia at a rate of 32 beats/min, blood pressure (BP) of 80/42 mm Hg, and reports feeling faint. Which is the appropriate action?
Give the scheduled dose of diltiazem (Cardizem).
Reposition the patient on the left side.
Have the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver.
Apply the transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads
The Correct Answer is D
Sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 32 beats/min and accompanying hypotension and symptoms of feeling faint indicates significant hemodynamic compromise. In such cases, the first-line intervention is to provide external cardiac pacing through transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads. TCP can help increase the heart rate and improve cardiac output by delivering electrical impulses to the heart.
Administering the scheduled dose of diltiazem (Cardizem), a calcium channel blocker, is not appropriate in this situation. Diltiazem can further lower the heart rate and blood pressure, exacerbating the client's symptoms and potentially leading to adverse effects.
Repositioning the patient on the left side or having the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver are not effective interventions for treating sinus bradycardia with hemodynamic compromise. These actions may be used in specific situations, but in this case, the client requires immediate intervention to address the low heart rate and blood pressure.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Pain level of 10 out of 10: Severe pain can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and result in an increased heart rate.
Temperature 101.9°F: Fever can lead to an elevated heart rate as the body's response to infection or inflammation.
Hemoglobin: 7 g/dL: Low hemoglobin levels, known as anemia, can cause the heart to pump faster in an attempt to compensate for the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Cocaine abuse: Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can significantly increase heart rate and cause tachycardia.
The following clinical finding would not typically be associated with tachycardia:
Blood glucose 90 mg/dL: While low or high blood glucose levels can cause symptoms, they are not directly associated with tachycardia unless they lead to significant physiological stress or hormonal imbalances.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until it has already caused damage to target organs such as the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, or brain. It is crucial for the client to understand that even if they do not experience symptoms, untreated or poorly controlled hypertension can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and more.
While dietary changes and increasing physical activity are important lifestyle modifications for managing hypertension, it is not accurate to state that most people can control their blood pressure through these measures alone. Hypertension is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, and many individuals require additional interventions, such as medication, to effectively manage their blood pressure.
Annual blood pressure checks are indeed important to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and ensure that blood pressure remains within the target range. However, this information is secondary to the understanding that hypertension is typically asymptomatic until target organ damage occurs.
Recognizing the potential risks associated with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension can motivate the client to adhere to their treatment plan and make necessary lifestyle changes.
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