Nokea
The client is in complete heart block. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Prepare to insert a pacemaker.
- B. Administer atropine, an antidysrhythmic.
- C. Obtain a STAT electrocardiogram (ECG).
- D. Notify the health-care provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete heart block may respond to atropine (B) to increase heart rate acutely. Pacemaker (A), ECG (C), and HCP notification (D) follow if atropine fails.
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The nurse is assisting with a synchronized cardioversion on a client in atrial fibrillation. When the machine is activated, there is a pause. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Wait until the machine discharges.
- B. Shout 'all clear' and don’t touch the bed.
- C. Make sure the client is all right.
- D. Increase the joules and redischarge.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pause in synchronized cardioversion is normal as the machine syncs with the QRS complex; wait for discharge (A). 'All clear' (B) is for defibrillation, checking client (C) is premature, and increasing joules (D) is incorrect.
The nurse is assessing the client diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Which signs/symptoms would indicate that the medical treatment has been effective?
- A. The client's peripheral pitting edema has gone from 3+ to 4+.
- B. The client is able to take the radial pulse accurately.
- C. The client is able to perform ADLs without dyspnea.
- D. The client has minimal jugular vein distention.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Effective CHF treatment reduces fluid overload, allowing ADLs without dyspnea (C) and minimal JVD (D). Increased edema (A) indicates worsening, and pulse-taking (B) is a skill, not a treatment outcome.
The client diagnosed with congestive heart failure is complaining of leg cramps at night. Which nursing interventions should be implemented?
- A. Check the client for peripheral edema and make sure the client takes a diuretic early in the day.
- B. Monitor the client's potassium level and assess the client's intake of bananas and orange juice.
- C. Determine if the client has gained weight and instruct the client to keep the legs elevated.
- D. Instruct the client to ambulate frequently and perform calf-muscle stretching exercises daily.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leg cramps in CHF may indicate hypokalemia from diuretics. Monitoring potassium and assessing potassium-rich food intake (B) is appropriate. Edema/diuretic timing (A), weight/elevation (C), and ambulation/stretching (D) are less directly related.
The client diagnosed with an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has developed 2+ edema bilaterally of the lower extremities and has crackles in all lung fields. Which should the nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the health care provider (HCP).
- B. Assess what the client ate at the last meal.
- C. Request a STAT 12 lead electrocardiogram.
- D. Administer furosemide IVP.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Edema and crackles post-STEMI suggest heart failure; notifying the HCP (A) ensures timely intervention. Diet (B), ECG (C), and furosemide (D) follow HCP orders.
Which intervention should the nurse implement when defibrillating a client who is in ventricular fibrillation?
- A. Defibrillate the client at 50, 100, and 200 joules.
- B. Do not remove the oxygen source during defibrillation.
- C. Place petroleum jelly on the defibrillator pads.
- D. Shout 'all clear' prior to defibrillating the client.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Shouting 'all clear' (D) ensures safety before defibrillation. Energy levels (A) are 200–360 joules, oxygen (B) is removed to prevent fire, and petroleum jelly (C) is not used.