The nurse notes this rhythm on the patient's cardiac monitor.What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A)Check the patient's pulse.
B)Administer oxygen.
C)Call a code blue.
D)Prepare to cardiovert the patient.

Question

The nurse notes this rhythm on the patient's cardiac monitor.What is the nurse's priority intervention? 
A)Check the patient's pulse. 
B)Administer oxygen. 
C)Call a code blue. 
D)Prepare to cardiovert the patient.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's priority intervention should be to assess the patient's pulse and determine if they have a perfusing rhythm. If there is no pulse, the nurse should begin CPR and call for a code blue. However, if the patient has a pulse, further interventions can be taken based on the specific rhythm present. Administering oxygen and preparing to cardiovert may be appropriate for certain rhythms, but determining if the patient has a pulse should always be the initial priority.

The Nurse Notes This Rhythm on the Patient's Cardiac Monitor