The nurse obtains a rhythm strip on a patient who has had a myocardial infarction and makes the following analysis: no visible P waves, P-R interval not measurable, ventricular rate 162, R-R interval regular, QRS complex wide and QRS duration 0.18 second. The nurse interprets the patient's cardiac rhythm as
ventricular tachycardia.
ventricular fibrillation.
sinus tachycardia.
atrial flutter.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a ventricular rate >100 bpm, regular rhythm, no visible P waves, and wide QRS complexes (>0.12 seconds). The findings described—ventricular rate of 162, regular R-R intervals, no visible P waves, and a QRS duration of 0.18 seconds—are consistent with ventricular tachycardia.
B. Ventricular fibrillation shows a chaotic, irregular rhythm with no identifiable QRS complexes, which is not the case here.
C. Sinus tachycardia would have visible P waves and a normal QRS duration.
D. Atrial flutter typically has "sawtooth" flutter waves and a more organized atrial rhythm with a distinct P wave pattern, which is absent in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Blood flowing back from the left atrium to the left ventricle describes mitral regurgitation, not aortic regurgitation.
B. Aortic regurgitation involves the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole due to an incompetent aortic valve. This leads to volume overload in the left ventricle.
C. Obstruction of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle occurs in mitral stenosis, not aortic regurgitation.
D. Obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle is characteristic of aortic stenosis, not aortic regurgitation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Strict bed rest is not the priority; early mobility may be encouraged once the patient is stable.
B. Pain management is important but not the first priority in septic shock.
C. Monitoring vital signs frequently is the priority because it allows the nurse to detect changes in perfusion, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation status, which are critical for timely intervention in septic shock.
D. Assisting with hygiene is part of routine care but is not a priority during the acute management of septic shock.
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