Question 1

A patient becomes unresponsive without a palpable pulse despite showing bradycardia on the rhythm strip. What action should the nurse take immediately? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient becomes unresponsive without a palpable...

Question 2

An older adult patient is being evaluated for a new onset of a cardiac dysrhythmia. What should the nurse consider as being the cause for this abnormal heart rhythm? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Advanced age, fat deposits around the SA node, fewer pacemaker cells in the SA node, and calcification around the AV node and valves are all factors that can contribute to cardiac dysrhythmias in older adults. Protein malnutrition is not directly related to dysrhythmias.

Question 3

The nurse working on the telemetry unit correlates which data to normal electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse working on the telemetry unit...

Question 4

The nurse counts eight QRS complexes in a 6-second period on the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) strip. The nurse documents the patient's pulse as ____________________ bpm.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse counts eight QRS complexes in...

Question 5

A patient with a cardiac dysrhythmia asks why it is important to recognize the signs of a stroke. What is the best response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing the signs of a stroke allows for a quick response, which is crucial for minimizing damage and potentially saving a life. Quick action can significantly improve outcomes for someone experiencing a stroke.

Question 6

A patient with a cardiac dysrhythmia is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the reason for this?

Accepted Answer

Blood shunted away from nonessential organ systems, such as the gastrointestinal system, during a cardiac dysrhythmia can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This is because the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain over less critical systems.

Question 7

The nurse counts 20 small boxes between two R waves. The nurse documents the patient's heart rate as ____________________ bpm.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse counts 20 small boxes between...

Question 8

In assessing a patient with a heart rate of 132 beats per minute, the nurse assesses for which causes of this elevated heart rate? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) A blood pressure of 80/40 indicates hypotension, which can cause the heart to beat faster in an attempt to maintain adequate circulation.B) Fever increases metabolic demand, which often results in an increased heart rate as the body tries to meet these increased demands.E) Hemoglobin of 9 g/dL indicates anemia, which can lead to an increased heart rate as the body attempts to deliver sufficient oxygen to tissues despite the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Question 9

In assessing a patient diagnosed with complete heart block (CHB), which data require an immediate intervention? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

C) Capillary refill greater than 3 seconds indicates poor perfusion, which can be a sign of decreased cardiac output in the context of complete heart block. Immediate intervention is required to improve perfusion.D) A decreased blood pressure noted from baseline suggests hemodynamic instability, which is concerning in a patient with complete heart block. This requires prompt intervention to prevent further deterioration.

Question 10

When calculating a patient's heart rate using the cardiac rhythm strip, the nurse notes the presence of four large boxes between the two R waves. What is this patient's heart rate? Record your answer as a whole number. ______

Accepted Answer

The answer of When calculating a patient's heart rate using...

Quiz 29: Coordinating Care for Patients With Cardiac Dysrhythmia