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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

While it is generally recommended to avoid close or prolonged exposure to strong magnetic fields, such as those generated by MRI machines, placing items that generate magnetic fields over the pacemaker/ICD, such as cell phones or certain medical devices, does not typically pose a risk. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the client's understanding and provide accurate information about the precautions related to magnetic fields.

The other statements made by the client are generally correct and align with the typical recommendations for individuals with pacemakers/ICDs:

Avoiding contact sports or lifting heavy objects for a specified period of time after pacemaker/ICD insertion is usually advised to allow for proper healing and to reduce the risk of lead dislodgment or damage to the device.

Informing dentists and healthcare providers about the presence of a pacemaker/ICD is important so that they can take appropriate precautions during procedures or treatments that may involve electromagnetic interference or interfere with the device's functioning.

While it is generally advised to avoid close proximity to strong magnetic fields, such as those in airports or certain household appliances, it does not necessarily mean completely avoiding them. The nurse can clarify the specific recommendations regarding metal detectors at airports and the safe use of household appliances.

A. Are you allergic to any medications or foods? B. Do you have any children? C. How did your mother die? D. Have you had shortness of breath or weight gain? E. How would you describe your symptoms?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

The questions related to the client's history that are most important to ask are:

How would you describe your symptoms?: This question is important to assess the client's current cardiac symptoms and determine the severity, duration, and nature of their symptoms. It helps the nurse to evaluate the client's cardiac status and determine appropriate interventions.

Are you allergic to any medications or foods?: This question is crucial to identify any potential allergies that could impact the client's cardiac care. It helps the nurse ensure that medications and interventions are safe for the client and prevent any adverse reactions.

How did your mother die?:This question is important to gather information about the client's family history of cardiac diseases and potential risk factors. Understanding the family history helps the nurse assess the client's genetic predisposition to cardiac conditions and plan appropriate interventions and screenings.

Have you had shortness of breath or weight gain? : This question is important to assess for symptoms of heart failure or fluid retention. Shortness of breath and weight gain can indicate fluid accumulation, which is a common symptom in cardiac conditions. It helps the nurse evaluate the client's cardiac function and determine the need for furtherinterventions or medication adjustments.

Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the most important questions to ask:

Do you have any children?: While family history is important, specifically asking about children is not as relevant to the client's current cardiac condition. The focus should be on the client's own symptoms, medical history, and family history of cardiac diseases.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing discharge education to a client who recently have insertion of a pacemaker/ICD. Which statement by the client should require further follow up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is interviewing a client with a complex cardiac history. Which questions related to the client's history are most important to ask? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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