Which of the following is the primary purpose of an Automated implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)?
To measure blood pressure continuously
To monitor and correct life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
To deliver insulin for diabetes management
To administer chemotherapy drugs
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. While continuous blood pressure monitoring is important in certain critical care settings, an AICD does not provide hemodynamic data. Its function is limited to detecting and correcting cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
B. An Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) continuously monitors the heart’s electrical activity. When it detects life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), it can deliver anti-tachycardia pacing or a high-energy shock to restore a normal sinus rhythm. This intervention significantly reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death, especially in patients with structural heart disease or a history of cardiac arrest.
C. Insulin delivery is performed via insulin pumps or injections, which are entirely unrelated to cardiac monitoring. Selecting this option reflects a misunderstanding of device functions.
D. Chemotherapy administration requires central venous access devices (e.g., port-a-caths or PICC lines) and is not related to cardiac rhythm management. An AICD does not provide intravenous drug delivery or medication therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While pneumonia can cause fever, fatigue, and chest discomfort, it is less likely to cause severe pedal edema, irregular heart rhythms, or palpitations. The presence of edema and irregular heart sounds points toward a cardiac origin rather than a primary pulmonary infection.
B. Fatigue, chest discomfort, irregular heart sounds, pedal edema, and low blood pressure are classic signs of heart failure, particularly in a young adult who may have acute or chronic cardiac dysfunction. Heart failure can also contribute to the development of arrhythmias.
C. COPD primarily presents with chronic cough, dyspnea, and sputum production. While it can strain the heart over time, COPD alone would not account for the acute irregular heart rate, edema, and chest discomfort in this patient.
D. The irregular heart rate (HR 112 bpm) and irregular heart sounds are indicative of atrial fibrillation, which is common in patients with underlying heart disease or heart failure. Atrial fibrillation can also worsen cardiac output, contributing to edema and fatigue.
E. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with acute dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachypnea, and sometimes hemoptysis. Edema and irregular heart rhythms are not primary features, making this less likely than heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While stress can contribute to arrhythmias, it is not the highest risk factor for atrial flutter. Stress alone is less likely to trigger atrial flutter without underlying cardiac disease.
B. The client who is recovering from a recent illness that caused vomiting and diarrhea – Electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea can predispose to arrhythmias, but the risk is temporary and generally lower compared with structural heart disease.
C. The client whose mother and uncle were diagnosed with this same condition – A family history increases susceptibility, but genetic predisposition alone is not the highest risk factor for atrial flutter.
D. Structural heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease following a myocardial infarction (MI), is a major risk factor for developing atrial flutter because damaged atrial tissue can create abnormal electrical pathways that facilitate reentry circuits, leading to flutter.
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