A patient's cardiac monitor reveals a regular rhythm with a rate of 240 beats per minute.No P waves are distinguishable.The patient is alert and says,"My heart is racing." What nursing intervention is indicated?
A)Gather equipment to begin anticoagulant therapy.
B)Defibrillate the patient.
C)Prepare the patient for immediate cardioversion.
D)Ask the patient to bear down as if moving the bowels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with a rapid heart rate and no distinguishable P waves. The patient is alert and symptomatic. A non-invasive intervention like the Valsalva maneuver (asking the patient to bear down as if moving the bowels) can help in slowing the heart rate by increasing vagal tone and possibly terminating the SVT. This is a safer initial approach compared to more invasive procedures.

A Patient's Cardiac Monitor Reveals a Regular Rhythm with a Rate