Kaplan NCLEX Question of The Day Related

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After a client with an Automated Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (AICD) is successfully defibrillated for Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), what should the nurse do next?

  • A. Go to the client to assess for signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output.
  • B. Call the physician to inform them of the VF episode for medication adjustments.
  • C. Call the 'on-call' person in the cath lab to re-charge the ICD in case of a recurrence.
  • D. Document the incident on the code report form and follow up regularly.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: After a client is successfully defibrillated, the immediate priority is to assess the client for signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output, such as altered level of consciousness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or hypotension. This assessment is crucial to determine the effectiveness of the defibrillation and the client's current hemodynamic status. Calling the physician for medication adjustments without assessing the client first could delay essential interventions. Contacting the 'on-call' person in the cath lab to re-charge the ICD is not the initial action needed after successful defibrillation. Documenting the incident is important but should not take precedence over assessing the client's immediate condition.