The nurse is monitoring a client in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following a coronary artery bypass graft, observing a regular ventricular rate of 82 beats/min and "sawtooth" P waves with an atrial rate of approximately 300 beat/min. How does the nurse interpret this rhythm?
Ventricular tachycardia
Atrial flutter
Atrial fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation
The Correct Answer is B
A. Ventricular tachycardia presents with wide QRS complexes and a fast ventricular rate, but not sawtooth P waves.
B. Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid atrial rate (typically around 250–350 beats/min) and "sawtooth" flutter waves on the ECG. The ventricular response is often regular, as seen in this client with a ventricular rate of 82 beats/min.
C. Atrial fibrillation presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm and absent P waves, replaced by fibrillatory waves — not the sawtooth pattern described here.
D. Ventricular fibrillation shows chaotic, irregular, and disorganized electrical activity with no identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves, and would not present as a stable rhythm with a ventricular rate of 82 bpm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ongoing cardiac care is still necessary after valvuloplasty to monitor valve function and complications.
B. Mechanical valve replacements require lifelong anticoagulant therapy to prevent thromboembolism, which is an important consideration when comparing with valvuloplasty.
C. Biologic valves do not require immunosuppressive drugs because they are derived from animal tissue.
D. Mechanical valves are durable and often last longer than 5 years, usually 10-20 years or more before replacement might be needed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Circulating blood volume is decreased – This is true specifically in hypovolemic shock, but it does not apply to all types of shock (e.g., septic or cardiogenic shock).
B. Cells lack an adequate blood supply and are deprived of oxygen and nutrients – This is the most accurate and comprehensive description of the pathophysiology of shock. Shock is defined as a state of cellular and tissue hypoperfusion, regardless of the underlying cause.
C. Hemorrhage occurs as a result of trauma – While hemorrhage can cause hypovolemic shock, it is not the universal cause of all types of shock.
D. Blood is shunted from vital organs to peripheral areas of the body – The opposite is true in shock: blood is typically shunted away from peripheral tissues to preserve perfusion to vital organs like the brain and heart.
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