A client, admitted to the hospital for evaluation of recurrent runs of ventricular tachycardia, is scheduled for electrophysiology studies (EPS). Which statement should the nurse include in a teaching plan for this client?
- A. You will continue to take your medications until the morning of the test.
- B. You will be sedated during the procedure and will not remember what has happened.
- C. This test is a noninvasive method of determining the effectiveness of your medication regimen.
- D. The test uses a special wire to increase the heart rate and produce the irregular beats that cause your signs and symptoms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of EPS is to study the heart's electrical system. During this invasive procedure, a special wire is introduced into the heart to produce dysrhythmias. To prepare for this procedure, the client should be NPO for 6 to 8 hours before the test, and all antidysrhythmics are held for at least 24 hours before the test to study the dysrhythmias without the influence of medications. Because the client's verbal responses to the rhythm changes are extremely important, sedation is avoided if possible.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse caring for an infant demonstrating diarrhea should monitor the infant for which early sign of dehydration?
- A. Cool extremities
- B. Gray, mottled skin
- C. Capillary refill of 3 seconds
- D. Apical pulse rate of 200 beats per minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dehydration causes interstitial fluid to shift to the vascular compartment in an attempt to maintain fluid volume. When the body is unable to compensate for fluid lost, circulatory failure occurs. The blood pressure will decrease and the pulse rate will increase. This will be followed by peripheral symptoms.
The nurse is preparing to provide postsurgical care for a client after a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse anticipates the need for which item to be placed at the bedside to minimize the client's risk for injury?
- A. Hypothermia blanket
- B. Emergency tracheostomy kit
- C. Magnesium sulfate in a ready-to-inject vial
- D. Ampule of saturated solution of potassium iodide
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory distress can occur after thyroidectomy as a result of swelling in the tracheal area. The nurse would ensure that an emergency tracheostomy kit is available. Surgery on the thyroid does not alter the heat control mechanism of the body. Magnesium sulfate would not be indicated because the incidence of hypomagnesemia is not a common problem after thyroidectomy. Saturated solution of potassium iodide is typically administered preoperatively to block thyroid hormone synthesis and release and to place the client in a euthyroid state.
The nurse is assessing a pregnant client with a diagnosis of abruptio placentae. Which manifestations of this condition should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.
- A. Uterine irritability
- B. Uterine tenderness
- C. Painless vaginal bleeding
- D. Abdominal and low back pain
- E. Strong and frequent contractions
- F. Nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Placental abruption, also referred to as abruptio placentae, is the separation of a normally implanted placenta before the fetus is born. It occurs when there is bleeding and formation of a hematoma on the maternal side of the placenta. Manifestations include uterine irritability with frequent low-intensity contractions, uterine tenderness that may be localized to the site of the abruption, aching and dull abdominal and low back pain, painful vaginal bleeding, and a high uterine resting tone identified by the use of an intrauterine pressure catheter. Additional signs include nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns, signs of hypovolemic shock, and fetal death. Painless vaginal bleeding is a sign of placenta previa.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute bacterial pericarditis. Which nursing assessment findings are associated with this form of heart disease? Select all that apply.
- A. Fever
- B. Leukopenia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Pericardial friction rub
- E. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- F. Precordial chest pain that intensifies by the supine position
Correct Answer: A,D,F
Rationale: In acute bacterial pericarditis, the membranes surrounding the heart become inflamed and rub against each other, producing the classic pericardial friction rub. Fever typically occurs and is accompanied by leukocytosis and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The client complains of severe precordial chest pain that intensifies when lying supine and decreases in a sitting position. The pain also intensifies when the client breathes deeply. Malaise, myalgia, and tachycardia are common.
The nurse evaluates the patency of a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and suspects an infiltration. Which action should the nurse take to determine if the IV has infiltrated?
- A. Strip the tubing and assess for a blood return.
- B. Check the regional tissue for redness and warmth.
- C. Increase the infusion rate and observe for swelling.
- D. Gently palpate regional tissue for edema and coolness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing an IV for clinical indicators of infiltration, it is important to assess the site for edema and coolness, signifying leakage of the IV fluid into the surrounding tissues. Stripping the tubing will not cause a blood return but will force IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, which can increase the risk of tissue damage. Redness and warmth are more likely to indicate infection or phlebitis.
Nokea