The charge nurse is assisting with a nonemergent cardioversion for a client with supraventricular tachycardia. Which action by the primary nurse would cause the charge nurse to intervene?

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11ecbb05_c967_dbb3_b433_8706c450db78_MD0009_00 Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure used to convert tachyarrhythmias (eg, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia) with a pulse to stable cardiac rhythms via transcutaneous electrical shock. The shock in cardioversion is timed by the defibrillator ("sync" feature enabled) to be delivered only during the R wave of the QRS complex, when the ventricles depolarize. Accidentally delivering shocks during the T wave, when heart ventricles are repolarizing, causes R-on-T phenomenon, which frequently results in lethal arrhythmias (eg, ventricular fibrillation). The nurse must ensure that the defibrillator's "sync" feature is enabled when preparing to perform synchronized cardioversion. Disabling or failing to enable the "sync" feature may result in a potentially lethal, asynchronous shock being delivered to the client (Option B). (Option A) During nonemergent cardioversion of a hemodynamically stable client, a sedative (eg, midazolam) is often administered for client comfort. (Option C) Defibrillator pads should be placed on the right upper chest next to the sternum and on the left lower chest. (Option D) Prior to delivery of electrical shock (eg, cardioversion, defibrillation), oxygen should be turned off and moved away. Oxygen is flammable and may explode when subjected to electric currents. Educational objective: Synchronized cardioversion is a cardiac procedure used to convert tachyarrhythmias with a pulse to stable cardiac rhythms. Nurses preparing to perform cardioversion must verify that the defibrillator's "sync" feature is engaged to prevent delivery of an asynchronous shock, which may cause life-threatening arrhythmias.

The Charge Nurse Is Assisting with a Nonemergent Cardioversion for a Client