The nurse obtains a monitor strip on a patient who has had a myocardial infarction and makes the following analysis: P wave not apparent, ventricular rate 196, R-R interval regular, P-R interval not measurable, QRS complex wide and distorted, QRS duration 0.18 second. The nurse interprets the patient's cardiac rhythm as;
ventricular tachycardia.
atrial fibrillation.
atrial tachycardia.
ventricular fibrillation.
The Correct Answer is A
The characteristics described in the monitor strip analysis suggest ventricular tachycardia. The absence of a visible P wave and the wide and distorted QRS complex indicates that the electrical impulse is originating in the ventricles rather than the atria. The ventricular rate of 196 and regular R-R intervals further support the diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia.
B. Atrial fibrillation in (option B) is incorrect because it is characterized by irregularly irregular R-R intervals and the absence of discernible P waves. The QRS complex is typically narrow
C. Atrial tachycardia in (option C) is incorrect because it would have a rapid atrial rate with regular R-R intervals, and P waves may or may not be discernible. The QRS complex is typically narrow.
D. Ventricular fibrillation in (option D) is incorrect because it would present as a chaotic, rapid, and irregular electrical activity with no discernible P waves, QRS complexes, or regular R-R intervals. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate defibrillation.
Therefore, based on the provided information, the nurse would interpret the patient's cardiac rhythm as ventricular tachycardia. However, it is important to note that an accurate interpretation should be made by a qualified healthcare professional, and the patient's clinical context should also be considered.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In the initial 24 hours after burn injury, fluid resuscitation is a critical priority in the management of burn patients. Burn injuries can lead to significant fluid loss, both locally at the burn site and systemically due to increased capillary permeability. Fluid resuscitation aims to restore and maintain adequate intravascular volume, ensuring sufficient tissue perfusion and organ function.
The Parkland Formula is commonly used to guide fluid resuscitation in burn patients. It involves calculating the total volume of fluid needed in the first 24 hours, with a portion given in the initial hours after injury and the remainder given over the remaining hours.
A. Sterile dressing changes (option A) are incorrect because they are important in wound care management for burn patients to prevent infection. However, fluid resuscitation takes precedence within the first 24 hours.
B. Emotional support (option B) is incorrect because it is an essential aspect of burn care, as burn injuries can have a significant psychological impact. While emotional support is crucial for the patient's overall well-being, it may not be the highest priority within the first 24 hours compared to addressing the physiological needs of fluid resuscitation.
D. Range-of-motion exercises (option D) are incorrect because they are important for preventing contractures and maintaining joint mobility in burn patients. However, they are typically initiated after the initial fluid resuscitation phase and wound stabilization.
Therefore, the priority the nurse anticipates within the first 24 hours for a 31-year-old male patient with burn injuries is fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Tachypnoea, which refers to an increased respiratory rate, is an early symptom of hypovolemic shock. It is the body's compensatory response to inadequate tissue perfusion and decreased oxygen delivery. The increased respiratory rate is an attempt to improve oxygenation and maintain vital organ function.
B. Heart blocks in (option B) are incorrect because Heart blocks refer to disruptions in the electrical conduction system of the heart and are not specific to hypovolemic shock.
C. Vomiting in (option C) is incorrect because: Vomiting may occur in various conditions, including shock, but it is not exclusive to hypovolemic shock and can be present in other forms of shock or illnesses.
D. Bradycardia in (option D) is incorrect because Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically an early symptom of hypovolemic shock. Instead, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is more commonly observed as a compensatory response to maintain cardiac output.
E. Hypotension in (option E) is incorrect because Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can occur in hypovolemic shock but is generally considered a later-stage symptom. In the early stages, compensatory mechanisms may help maintain blood pressure, so hypotension may not be present initially.
F. Bradypnea in (option F) is incorrect because: Bradypnea refers to a slow respiratory rate, which is not typically an early symptom of hypovolemic shock. Tachypnoea, as mentioned earlier, is the more common early respiratory symptom.
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