Which diagnostic study best evaluates different medications' ability to restore normal heart rhythm?
- A. Elective electrical cardioversion
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Electrophysiology study
- D. Echocardiogram
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An electrophysiology study is a procedure that enables the physician to examine the electrical activity of the heart, produce actual arrhythmias, and determine the best method for care. Cardioversion uses synchronized electricity to change the rhythm pattern. Electrocardiogram and echocardiograms provide diagnostic information.
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The nursing student is taking a pre-nursing pharmacology class. Today, the nursing student is learning about antiarrhythmic drugs. What drug is a potassium channel blocker?
- A. Amiodarone
- B. Lidocaine
- C. Flecainide
- D. Isoproterenol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Potassium channel blockers include amiodarone and bretylium tosylate. Lidocaine and flecainide are sodium channel blockers. Isoproterenol is a beta-blocker.
The nurse is caring for a client on the cardiac unit. The licensed practical nurse on the previous shift reported the following vital signs/assessment information: temperature, 100.6?°F; pulse, 56 beats/minute; respirations 24 breaths/minute; blood pressure, 116/60 mm Hg; pulse oximetry reading, 92%; and with 2+ edema noted in the lower extremities. Prior to 9 AM antiarrhythmic medication administration, which of the following will the nurse reassess?
- A. Temperature
- B. Pulse
- C. Blood pressure
- D. Edema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Of the vital signs noted, the pulse rate is found to be abnormal, below 60 beats/minute. Before administering an antiarrhythmic medication, which often slows the heart rate further, the pulse rate would be reassessed, and a rate of 60 beats/minute would need to be obtained.
The client has just been admitted with bradycardia and scheduled for the insertion of a pacemaker. The nurse notifies the physician that the client's heart rate has dropped into the 40 beats/minute range. The physician orders a temporary pacemaker. The nurse knows that there are different types of temporary pacemakers. What types of temporary pacemakers are there? Select all that apply.
- A. Transatrial
- B. Transcutaneous
- C. Transvenous
- D. Transthoracic
- E. Transabdominal
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: The three types of temporary pacemakers are transcutaneous, transvenous, and transthoracic. Transatrial and transabdominal are not types of temporary pacemakers.
The nurse is providing instruction to a group of new nurses orienting on the unit, highlighting the benefits of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). While pointing at a diagram of the heart, at which location would the nurse identify the placement of the electrical lead?
- A. On the right atrium near the SA node
- B. In the right ventricle near the septum
- C. At the left atrium on the anterior wall
- D. On the left ventricle on the posterior wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse is correct to explain that an ICD consists of a generator with a battery and one or two electrical leads that resemble a wire. The generator is placed under the skin, and the lead wire is inserted transvenously through the subclavian or cephalic vein to the apex or septum of the right ventricle. The other options are incorrect.
The nurse enters the client's room and finds the client pulseless and unresponsive. What would be the treatment of choice for this client?
- A. IV lidocaine
- B. Chemical cardioversion
- C. Immediate defibrillation
- D. Electric cardioversion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Defibrillation is used during pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
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