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Heart rate of 134 bpm. A heart rate of 134 bpm is expected during a cardiac stress test, as the goal is to increase the heart rate to a target range to evaluate cardiac function under stress.

Mild shortness of breath. Mild shortness of breath is a common response to exercise and is not an indication to stop the test unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain or cyanosis.

Blood pressure 152/88 mmHg. This is a slightly elevated but normal physiological response to exercise and does not warrant discontinuation of the test unless the blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels (e.g., >200/110 mmHg).

Insertion of central venous access: This is not relevant to compartment syndrome management. Central venous access is used for fluid administration or monitoring central venous pressure.

Phlebotomy: This is unrelated to the management of compartment syndrome, as it involves drawing blood and does not address the increased pressure.

Insertion of arterial line: While this may be useful for monitoring blood pressure in critical situations, it does not relieve compartment syndrome.

Maintain hyperventilation to a PaCO2 of 15 to 20 mm Hg. Hyperventilation can reduce ICP by causing vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels; however, a PaCO2 as low as 15–20 mmHg may lead to excessive vasoconstriction, reducing cerebral blood flow and causing cerebral ischemia. A PaCO2 target closer to 30–35 mmHg is typically recommended, and even this is used cautiously.

Routinely suction to prevent accumulation of respiratory secretions. Suctioning can increase ICP due to stimulation of the cough reflex. It should be performed only as needed and in a way that minimizes stimulation, such as preoxygenation and limiting suction duration.

Encourage visitation to prevent feelings of isolation. While social support is important, minimizing environmental stimuli (including limiting visitation) is crucial for clients with increased ICP to prevent overstimulation and further increases in ICP.

Perform passive range of motion: This is not a priority and may not be appropriate immediately post-catheterization as movement of the extremity can increase the risk of bleeding.

Assess the gag reflex prior to feeding the client: This applies to clients recovering from sedation during procedures like endoscopy, not cardiac catheterization.

Keep the client in high Fowler's position: This is contraindicated post-cardiac catheterization, as elevating the head too much can increase pressure at the puncture site and lead to bleeding.

Pacemaker: Pacemakers are used for bradyarrhythmias or heart block, not typically for atrial flutter.

Cardiac catheterization: This is used for diagnostic or interventional procedures, not for rhythm correction.

Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring: This is a monitoring tool for critically ill clients with heart failure or pulmonary hypertension, not a treatment for atrial flutter.

It occurs immediately when buttons depressed: The device synchronizes with the R wave and does not deliver the shock immediately.

It requires a higher amount of joules than is used in defibrillation: Cardioversion typically requires fewer joules compared to defibrillation.

It is programmed to occur in non-sync mode: Cardioversion must be synchronized; non-sync mode is used in defibrillation.

It provides information about atrial repolarization: Atrial repolarization is obscured by the QRS complex and not reflected in the PR interval.

It shows an early indication of first-degree heart block: First-degree heart block is indicated by a PR interval longer than 0.20 seconds.

It reflects a delayed conduction through the atria: A delay in conduction would result in a prolonged PR interval.

A client with syncope who is being discharged today: This client is stable if being discharged, so assessment can be delayed.

A client scheduled for a cardiac ultrasound this morning: This is a non-urgent diagnostic procedure and does not take priority.

A client with controlled atrial fibrillation with a heart rate of 82: Controlled atrial fibrillation indicates stability, so this client can be assessed later.

Prepare the client for temporary pacemaker insertion: Pacemakers are not indicated for asymptomatic first-degree AV block.

Notify the health care provider immediately and then administer epinephrine IV: This is unnecessary as the client is stable and shows no signs of hemodynamic compromise.

Administer atropine per agency bradycardia protocol and then notify the health care provider: Atropine is not required for a stable heart rate of 72 bpm.

Junctional tachycardia: Junctional tachycardia originates from the atrioventricular (AV) node, with a faster rate and usually no visible P waves preceding the QRS complexes.

Atrial flutter: Atrial flutter presents with a “sawtooth” pattern of P waves, indicating rapid atrial contractions, which is different from sinus tachycardia.

Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic and irregular rhythm originating from the ventricles, which is a life-threatening condition.