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. LDL cholesterol levels are used to assess a patient’s long-term risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, but they do not rise acutely during myocardial infarction and therefore are not useful for diagnosing an MI in the emergency setting.
B. Myoglobin is a small heme protein released rapidly from damaged cardiac and skeletal muscle. It can appear in the blood within 1–4 hours after myocardial injury, making it useful for early detection of myocardial infarction. However, it is not specific to cardiac muscle, so elevations could also occur with skeletal muscle injury. Myoglobin is often used in conjunction with other cardiac biomarkers.
C. Blood urea nitrogen reflects renal function and may increase in kidney disease or dehydration, but it does not indicate myocardial injury and is not part of the standard diagnostic workup for acute MI.
D. Troponin I and T are structural proteins of cardiac muscle, and their levels rise within 3–6 hours after myocardial injury and remain elevated for up to 10–14 days. They are highly sensitive and specific for cardiac injury, making troponin the gold standard for confirming myocardial infarction.
E. Creatinine measures kidney function and may be monitored in patients receiving contrast dye or nephrotoxic drugs, but it does not aid in diagnosing an acute MI.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While documentation is important, a weight gain of ≥2 lb (≈1 kg) in 1–3 days and generalized edema indicates fluid retention and possible worsening heart failure, which requires immediate provider notification, not just documentation.
B. Although adherence to diuretics is important, simply confirming this does not address the acute risk of fluid overload and possible decompensation. Immediate action is required.
C. Education is important for prevention, but in this case, the patient is already showing signs of worsening heart failure, so reinforcing education alone is insufficient.
D. Rapid weight gain and generalized edema over a short period are red flags for fluid overload. The nurse should contact the provider immediately to report findings and receive guidance for interventions such as adjusting medications, evaluating for hospitalization, or further monitoring.
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