Question 1

After reviewing an electrocardiogram the nurse determines that an electrical impulse originated in a patient's the sinoatrial node.What did the nurse see on this tracing?

Accepted Answer

A positive P wave before a QRS complex indicates that an electrical impulse originated in the sinoatrial node.A.B.D.These waves do not indicate that the electrical impulse originated in the sinoatrial node.

Question 2

A patient is in sustained ventricular tachycardia.Which dysrhythmia should the nurse realize can occur if the ventricular tachycardia is not treated?

Accepted Answer

Sustained ventricular tachycardia can progress to ventricular fibrillation.A.B.C.Atrial flutter,atrial fibrillation,and complete heart block are not associated with ventricular tachycardia.

Question 3

The nurse is assessing a patient's apical heart rate.Which heart rate should the nurse document as tachycardia?

Accepted Answer

Sinus tachycardia is 101 or more beats per minute.A.B.C.These rates are not considered as being sinus tachycardia.

Question 4

A patient is admitted for diagnosis of an electrocardiogram abnormality.Which wave should the nurse plan care based upon changes in the patient's ventricular depolarization?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.A.C.D.These waves do not represent vascular depolarization.

Question 5

The nurse is caring for a patient who develops sinus tachycardia.What action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Inform the RN promptly so the physician can be notified immediately for treatment.B.Turning the patient onto the left side will not alter the patient's rhythm.C.Waiting 15 minutes to recheck vital signs is unsafe for the patient.D.Coughing forcefully will not alter the patient's rhythm.

Question 6

The nurse is teaching a patient what complications to report with a pacemaker rate set at 72 beats/minute.Which patient response indicates that further teaching is necessary?

Accepted Answer

For a pacemaker set at 72 beats per minute,a radial pulse over 60 is not adequate.A.C.D.Patients should be taught to take a radial pulse,as it is easier to learn than an apical pulse,for 1 minute and to report if it is five beats over or under the set pacemaker rate.

Question 7

The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)and is being discharged.Which lifestyle recommendation should be the most important for the nurse to include?

Accepted Answer

The ingestion of caffeine is a common cause of PVCs.The patient should be instructed to avoid caffeine.B.C.D.Exercise,dietary fat,body weight,and fluid level are not identified as causes for PVCs.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation.For which emergency intervention should the nurse anticipate preparing?

Accepted Answer

Defibrillation is the best treatment for ventricular fibrillation to terminate it and increase survival.B.Endotracheal intubation will ensure oxygenation however will not affect the lethal heart rhythm.C.Synchronized cardioversion is not indicated for this heart rhythm.D.CPR may need to be started if defibrillation is not effective.

Question 9

The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient who has had a pacemaker implanted in the right side of the chest.Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of the discharge teaching?

Accepted Answer

Grounded microwave ovens may be safely used around pacemakers,which are now encased for protection.A.B.C.The patient is going to have activity,limb movement,and weight lifting restrictions after the insertion of a pacemaker.

Question 10

The nurse is participating in the emergency care for a patient who is in ventricular fibrillation.Which manifestation should the nurse expect to find and document during data collection?

Accepted Answer

Absent peripheral pulses are found with ventricular fibrillation.A.B.D.The patient has no measurable heart beat and therefore will not demonstrate dyspnea,pinpoint pupils or rapid capillary refill.

Question 11

A patient on cardiac telemetry has F waves present.Which entry should the nurse include in the documentation?

Accepted Answer

F waves are characteristic of atrial flutter.A.B.D.F waves do not indicate atrial fibrillation,ventricular fibrillation,or premature atrial contractions.

Question 12

The nurse is reviewing a patient's electrocardiogram.Which wave should the nurse recognize as being the first positive wave in a normal cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

P waves are the first positive wave in a normal cardiac cycle.B.C.D.These are not the first positive waves in the cardiac cycle.

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with a disorder affecting the P wave within the cardiac cycle.The nurse should plan care to address which cardiac action?

Accepted Answer

P waves represent atrial depolarization.A.C.D.The P wave does not represent atrial repolarization,ventricular repolarization,or ventricular depolarization.

Question 14

A patient has a pacemaker set at 72 beats/min.The nurse obtains a heart rate of 62 beats/min.What action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should notify the RN if the pacemaker is five beats over or under the set pacemaker rate for physician notification,as the pacemaker is not functioning properly.A.B.C.These actions could delay detecting a potentially unsafe situation for the patient.

Question 15

A patient is experiencing electrocardiogram changes.Which wave should the nurse recognize as representing ventricular repolarization?

Accepted Answer

T waves represent ventricular repolarization.A.B.C.These waves represent other actions within the cardiac cycle.

Question 16

The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient who has a pacemaker.Which measure should the nurse include when explaining how the pulse should be monitored?

Accepted Answer

Patients are taught to take a radial pulse,as it is easier to learn than an apical pulse,for 1 minute and to report if it is 5 beats over or under the set pacemaker rate.B.It is difficult for a patient to learn how to take their own apical pulse.C.D.These pulse points are difficult for the patient to learn.

Question 17

A patient is having an electrocardiogram.Which wave should the nurse identify as being the first negative wave after a P wave in a normal cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

Q waves are the first negative wave after a P wave in a normal cardiac cycle.B.C.D.These waves are not the first negative waves in the cardiac cycle.

Question 18

A patient scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)has an implanted pacemaker.What should the nurse anticipate being done for this patient?

Accepted Answer

MRI is contraindicated for anyone with a pacemaker or metal implants.A.C.D.These choices are inappropriate and dangerous for a patient with an implanted pacemaker.

Question 19

The nurse is reviewing a patient's electrocardiogram.Which wave should the nurse identify as being the second positive wave in a normal cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

R waves are the second positive wave in a normal cardiac cycle.A.The Q wave is the first negative wave.C.D.These waves are not the second positive wave in the cardiac cycle.

Question 20

The nurse is reviewing cardiac anatomy with a patient scheduled for pacemaker insertion.Where should the nurse identify the location of the sinus node for the patient?

Accepted Answer

The sinus node is located in the right atrium.A.C.D.The sinus node is not located in the left atrium or right or left ventricles.

Quiz 25: Nursing Care of Patients With Cardiac Dysrhythmias