The nurse observes the following rhythm of a client on the telemetry unit.

Which action should be completed first?

Report the findings and anticipate a medical prescription for amiodarone

Initiate a rapid response call and increase the monitor's sensitivity

Start compressions and prepare for defibrillation

Establish unresponsiveness and check the carotid pulse

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Reporting the findings and anticipating a prescription for amiodarone may be necessary later, but the first step is to assess the patient's immediate condition (unresponsiveness, pulse status, etc.).
B.   Although increasing monitor sensitivity and initiating a rapid response call might be helpful, these actions come after assessing the patient’s condition. If the patient is in distress or unresponsive, the nurse needs to check for a pulse and intervene right away.
C.   This is a crucial action if the patient is unresponsive and pulseless (cardiac arrest). If the patient is found to be unresponsive and pulseless, starting chest compressions immediately and preparing for defibrillation is the next step. However, the first action is to check for pulse and responsiveness.
Why it's incorrect: Compressions and defibrillation are correct actions if the patient is pulseless, but before taking these steps, the nurse must assess the patient for responsiveness and check the carotid pulse. Starting CPR and preparing defibrillation without verifying the patient's condition could delay appropriate care.
D.   Checking responsiveness and pulse is the most immediate and critical action because VT may be asymptomatic or cause deterioration, including cardiac arrest. Once pulse and responsiveness are determined, appropriate interventions (such as defibrillation or CPR) can be initiated quickly.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This question assesses the client's level of orthopnea, which is a condition where the client experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat. People with heart failure may need to use multiple pillows to prop themselves up to breathe more easily at night, making it an important question to assess respiratory status.
B. Chest pain with exertion can be indicative of cardiovascular issues but this question does not directly assess the client's respiratory status.
C. Tight rings and shoes can indicate fluid retention and edema, but it does not provide specific information about respiratory status.
D. Frequent nighttime voiding (nocturia) is common in heart failure, but it relates more to kidney function and fluid retention rather than respiratory function.

A. Teach family members to assist with all ADLS once discharged B. Cluster activities to a time when the client has the most energy C. Provide alternating activity and rest periods D. Limit self-care activities until symptoms subside

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While family support is important, encouraging complete assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs) is not an ideal intervention. The goal is to maintain as much independence as possible, even if that means modifying or pacing activities. Encouraging complete dependency can lead to deconditioning and further loss of function.
B. Clustering activities is not the best intervention for this problem. Clustering involves grouping multiple tasks together at once, which can overwhelm the patient and lead to fatigue. Instead, the nurse should encourage pacing and spreading out activities to avoid overexertion, even if the patient has energy.
C. Providing alternating periods of activity and rest is a fundamental strategy in managing activity intolerance due to chronic heart failure. This approach helps balance the energy demands of daily activities with rest to prevent fatigue and overexertion. By alternating activity and rest, the patient can perform necessary tasks while minimizing strain on the heart.
D. The goal in chronic heart failure is to help the patient maintain independence and function as much as possible. Limiting self-care could lead to increased dependency and reduced quality of life. Activity modifications and appropriate pacing are better strategies.

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The nurse observes the following rhythm of a client on the telemetry unit. Which action should be completed first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing the initial assessment of a client diagnosed with heart failure. Which question should the nurse ask to best assess the client's respiratory status?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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The nurse observes the following rhythm of a client on the telemetry unit.

Which action should be completed first?