The nurse is concerned that a patient is at risk for pulseless electrical activity.What information from the assessment did the nurse use to make this clinical decision?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a condition where the cardiac monitor shows a rhythm that should produce a pulse, but there is no palpable pulse. The most common causes of PEA are hypovolemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ion (acidosis), hyper-/hypokalemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and thrombosis. Of these, metabolic derangements are some of the most common causes of PEA. A blood pH of 7.30 suggests acidosis, which could be a contributing factor to the patient's risk for PEA. The other options do not directly relate to the risk for PEA.

The Nurse Is Concerned That a Patient Is at Risk