The nurse is caring for a patient whose cardiac monitor shows a total absence of electrical impulse as indicated by a flat line. The nurse does not detect a pulse or blood pressure. The nurse would document this as which of the following rhythms?
Atrial fibrillation
Asystole
Ventricular fibrillation
Atrial flutter
The Correct Answer is B
A. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid, irregular electrical impulses originating from the atria, resulting in a quivering or fibrillating motion of the atria rather than a coordinated contraction.
B. Asystole is the absence of any electrical activity on the cardiac monitor, resulting in a flat line. It indicates the absence of ventricular contraction and is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention (CPR and advanced cardiac life support).
C. Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by chaotic, disorganized electrical activity in the ventricles, resulting in ineffective quivering of the ventricles and loss of cardiac output.
D. Atrial flutter is characterized by rapid but regular electrical impulses originating from the atria, resulting in a sawtooth pattern on the ECG tracing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F"]
Explanation
A. Increased premature ventricular contractions along with symptoms of anxiety and shortness of breath may indicate worsening cardiac function or an acute cardiac event, necessitating immediate medical attention.
B. Oxygen therapy may help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath and improve oxygenation in patients experiencing cardiac symptoms.
C. These diagnostic tests can provide valuable information about cardiac function and any potential myocardial damage or ischemia, helping guide further treatment and management.
D. The modified Trendelenburg position may increase cardiac workload, which is not beneficial in the case of PVCs.
E. The patient should not be left alone due to the need for ongoing assessment and potential rapid intervention. Furthermore, leaving them alone could worsen their anxiety.
F. Elevating the head of the bed can aid in breathing and comfort, reducing the sensation of breathlessness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The QRS interval may vary but is typically less than 0.12 seconds in normal sinus rhythm.
B. Normal sinus rhythm typically has a heart rate between 50 and 100 beats per minute.
C. In normal sinus rhythm, P waves are typically upright and precede each QRS complex.
D. The PR interval may vary but is typically between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds in normal sinus rhythm.
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