Studied by 2 peoplePreparing for an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a priority nursing intervention for which patient?
A patient is reporting, "I feel like my heart is skipping beats"
A patient experiencing diaphoresis and arm pain
A patient who just had a pacemaker placed
A patient newly diagnosed with mild hypokalemia
The life partner of a patient diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) demonstrates a need for instruction when asking the nurse, "Can you tell me why this is a problem?" What is the nurse's best response?
The abnormal heartbeat results in poor blood flow to the heart
The medical record states that the patient's pulse is "small and weak." Which characteristic will the nurse expect to detect when performing a cardiovascular assessment on this patient?
Slow upstroke
Diminished pulse pressure
A prolonged systolic peak
The nurse is preparing a patient for a cardiovascular assessment. When providing the patient with information concerning the examination, which physical positions will the nurse indicate will be used during the examination?
Supine
Left lateral
Sitting upright while leaning forward
The nurse and a nursing student are reviewing the electrocardiograph (ECG) of a patient diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). Which characteristics noted will the nurse identify as being associated with this cardiac condition?
Low-amplitude filbrillation waves
Absent P waves
Irregular QRS complexes
The nurse is gathering subjective data during a cardiovascular assessment from a patient's spouse. Which question is particarly appropriate fro a patient who has reported that, "My heart seems to skip beats"?
"Have you seen periods when your spouse seems to experience uncommon fatigue?"
A patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) based on electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following nursing assessment findings could also be demonstrated by a patient experiencing AF?
Jugular vein distension
Hisotry of chest pain
Tachycardia
An irregular pulse
The nurse is providing care for a patient whose partner says, "We're told that he occasionally has an irregular heatbeat. Is that bad?" Which response should the nurse make to best address the partner's concern?
It's normal to experience occasional premature beats
When preparing a patient for an electrocardiograph (ECG) the nurse will include which instructural information?
Sticky backed electrodes will be attached directly to the skin on the patient's arms, legs, and chest
It's important that the patient remain as still and relaxed as possible during the test
The patient will be asked to lie on his or her back for the length of the test, which is 5-10 minutes
The test is painless
A nurse is discussing the evaluation of an electrocardiograph recently performed on a patient with a nursing student. Which data will the nurse identify for the student as being within normal limits?
Heart rate is between 60-100 beats/min
A P wave is visible before each QRS complex
The T wave is rounded and smooth
When reviewing Mr. Griffin's Medical record, the nurse recognizes what information as being a risk factor for atrial fibrillation?
-History of hypertension
Male over the age of 60
To assess a patient's heart during a physical assessment, which actions will the nurse perform?
Assess the apex, left sternal border, and the base of the heart for abnormal pulsations
Auscultate over the aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral areas, as well as Erb's point
Ask the patient to lie on the left side to assess sounds form the apex of the heart
Assess heart rate and rhythm using the diaphragm of the stethoscope
Which example of nursing documentation best indicates that the patient has peripheral perfusion that reflects adequate cardiac output?
Capillary refill noted in less than 2 seconds
A patient has been recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Which expected outcome will the nurse include in the care plan to adress the resulting anxiety?
Patient will earn and demonstrate effective coping behaviors
Which assessment findings suggest an arterial vascular system abnormality?
Absence of hair over the lower legs
Thin, shiny skin over calves
Which patient is expected to have the lowest resting pulse rate (RPR)?
A non-hispanic black male
Which point on the heart will the nurse use to auscultate an apical pulse?
Apex
Of the medication Mr. Griffin has been prescribed, which one will the nurse discuss with the surgeon regarding its possible association with the patient's irregular heartbeat?
Oxycodone/acetaminophen
Which action take during a cardiovascular assessment will best assist the nurse in determining the hemodynamics o the right side of a patient's heart?
Inspection of the jugular venous pulse level
What is the nurse's response when Mr. Griffin asks, "What is the biggest worry about having atrial fibrillation?"
The blood tends to pool in your heart's upper chamber, increasing the risk of developing a clot
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