The nurse is teaching a group of staff nurses about cardiac rhythms. The nurse would indicate that a U wave may indicate which of the following?
Hypokalemia
Hypercalcemia
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypokalemia: U waves are often seen on an electrocardiogram in clients with hypokalemia. They represent delayed repolarization of the Purkinje fibers due to low potassium levels.
B. Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia affects the QT interval, typically shortening it, but it does not cause U waves.
C. Hyponatremia: Electrocardiographic changes are not commonly associated with hyponatremia.
D. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia causes peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals, and wide QRS complexes, not U waves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A patient with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, type 1, rate 60, who is dizzy when ambulating. While dizziness may be a concern, second-degree AV block type 1 (Wenckebach) typically resolves without immediate intervention.
B. A patient who is in a sinus rhythm, rate 98 and regular, recovering from an elective cardioversion 2 hours ago. This patient is stable, and recovery from cardioversion typically involves monitoring, but the patient does not require immediate intervention.
C. A patient with atrial fibrillation, rate 88 and irregular, who has a dose of warfarin (Coumadin) due. The patient is stable, and the dose of warfarin can be administered after assessing the patient’s overall condition, making it a lower priority.
D. A patient whose implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fired twice today and has a dose of amiodarone (Cordarone) due: The patient whose ICD fired twice is at high risk for life-threatening arrhythmias, and this situation requires immediate evaluation and intervention. The nurse should assess the patient first, and the dose of amiodarone may be administered to manage any underlying arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administration of prescribed Atropine. Atropine is typically used for bradycardia related to second-degree heart block Mobitz 2 or complete block, but Mobitz 1 usually resolves on its own and does not require atropine unless symptoms develop.
B. A prescription for transcutaneous pacing. Transcutaneous pacing is typically used for more severe types of heart block, such as Mobitz 2 or third-degree block, not Mobitz 1.
C. An extra dose of digoxin will be prescribed. Giving additional digoxin would be contraindicated due to its effects on AV conduction.
D. The next dose of digoxin will be held: Second-degree heart block Mobitz 1 (also known as Wenckebach) can be worsened by digoxin, which has a vagomimetic effect that can slow conduction through the AV node. Therefore, the next dose of digoxin should be held to avoid further exacerbating the block.
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