The nurse is evaluating the following rhythm strip on a client in the telemetry unit. The client is alert and oriented but complains of slight nausea after eating breakfast. What is the nurse's best action?

Perform a 12 lead EKG and request an order for bumetanide 0.5 mg IV
Administer pantoprazole sodium 40 mg by mouth to decrease GI distress
Administer carvedilol 10 mg by mouth and reassess in 30 minutes
Complete the remainder of the assessment and continue to monitor
The Correct Answer is D
A. The 12-lead EKG might be unnecessary right now, especially since the client has no other alarming symptoms. Bumetanide is also not indicated for nausea or tachycardia in this scenario.
B. There is no clear indication that the nausea is related to acid reflux or GI distress that would justify pantoprazole.
C. The tachycardia could be physiological, and treating it with a beta-blocker is unnecessary unless there is a more concerning underlying cause (like heart failure or ischemia). The priority here is not pharmacological intervention but monitoring the client's overall condition.
D. This action allows for appropriate monitoring of the client's condition. Sinus tachycardia may resolve on its own without intervention, and the client doesn't exhibit severe symptoms requiring immediate pharmacologic treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Sodium is crucial for maintaining normal cellular function, especially for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. However, sodium imbalances typically affect the general function of the heart, and sodium abnormalities are not commonly associated with torsades de pointes, which is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
B. Magnesium plays a critical role in the electrical stability of the heart and helps regulate potassium and calcium channels, which are involved in the cardiac action potential. Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) is a well-known risk factor for torsades de pointes, a specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that is associated with QT interval prolongation. In this case, the magnesium level is 2.5 mg/dL, which is above the normal range (1.6-2.2 mg/dL), suggesting hypermagnesemia.
C. Calcium is vital for proper muscle function, including the heart muscle, and is essential for electrical conduction. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) can lead to QT interval prolongation, which in turn increases the risk for arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the calcium level is 8.0 mg/dL, which is only slightly below the normal range (8.2-10.2 mg/dL), making calcium a less likely primary contributor to torsades de pointes in this situation.
D. Potassium plays a crucial role in regulating the resting membrane potential and action potentials in cardiac cells. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can lead to QT prolongation and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is low (normal range: 3.5-5.3 mEq/L), and hypokalemia is more commonly associated with arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes than hyperkalemia (high potassium).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that can be used to manage conditions like atrial fibrillation or hypertension by slowing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure. However, it may not be the most appropriate drug in the acute setting for heart failure with dyspnea.
B. Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator that helps reduce preload and afterload, which can be beneficial in heart failure. However, it primarily works by reducing the workload on the heart and may help with fluid overload but may not directly address anxiety.
C. Verapamil is another calcium channel blocker that slows the heart rate and reduces the heart's workload. While it may be useful for controlling tachyarrhythmias, it is not the best option for managing acute heart failure with severe dyspnea and anxiety.
D. Morphine is an opioid that can be used in acute heart failure to reduce both anxiety and respiratory distress. It works by reducing the sympathetic nervous system response, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure, and providing a sense of calm, which reduces anxiety. It also reduces preload by venodilation and helps manage severe dyspnea.
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