1.
Identify the cardiac rhythm as being lethal or non-lethal.
Correct Answer
A. Non - lethal
Explanation
Rhythm = Sinus bradycardia with first degree AV heart block. This is s stable rhythm.
2.
Identify the cardiac rhythm.
Correct Answer
B. Atrial Fibrillation
Explanation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common dysrhythmia seen. the atria do not contract as evidenced by the wavey baseline and no P wave. random signals get thru the AV node resulting in normal ventricular contraction. if conversion to SR is not attainable the next best goal is rate control and therapeautic anti-coagulation levels.
3.
You see this rhythm on the screen. Your response is - [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
Correct Answer(s)
A. Check the patient ASAP, this looks like the lethal rhythm Torsades de Pointe
C. Anticipate CPR / using the AED / caling a Dr. Heart
Explanation
assume the worst - this is torsades de pointe until proven otherwise. it is a lethal rhythm - follow BLS / ACLS protocols - call for help - start CPR - attach AED - early defibrillation is the best treament for survival
4.
Identify the rhythm strip.
Correct Answer
A. Ventricular tachycardia
Explanation
VT is a lethal rhythm; however, because it is so regular, the heart may continue a 'normal' cardiac cycle resulting in a pulse / BP. YOU WON"T KNOW UNTIL YOU CHECK THE PT! If the patient is conscious w/ this rhythm - check VS, have him vagal - CALL MD, ASAP. If the patient is unconscious w/ this rhythm: call for help, start CPR, place on AED, ASAP.
5.
False alarms can lead to rhythm misinterpretation. The following are way to decrease/troubleshoot false alarms. Check all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Prepare skin prior to placement of electrodes
B. Ensure lead placement is correct
D. Place leads in the appropriate sites
Explanation
Troubleshooting false alarms makes for a safer / quieter environment for all.
6.
When should the nurse obtain an apical pulse and NOT rely upon the vital sign machine for heart rate. Check all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Irregular Heart Rhythm
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Prior to administration of cardiac medications
Explanation
Apical pulses are indicated for irregular rhythms, including A-fib or prior to the administration of cardiac meds like Digoxin or beta blockers. VS machines may not provide an accurate HR reading b/c not all cardiac impulses in an irregular rhythm may be perfused peripherally.
7.
If a patient is having a change in his/her heart rhythm and is symptomatic, what does symptomatic mean? Check all that apply:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Decreased Blood Pressure
B. Altered Mental Status
D. Chest Pain
E. DiapHoretic
Explanation
All the above (except increase appetite) are signs of an unstable patient. Knowing the clinical signs of an unstable patient allows you to “CLEARLY" communicate to the medical team the gravity of the situation. When notifying them the MD, request that s/he come to the pt's bedside ASAP or call a RRT.
8.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoxia? Check all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Altered Mental Status
B. Decreased O2 Level
C. Cyanosis
D. Tachycardia
Explanation
All the above are signs of hypoxia - knowing these will enable you to better manage the care for this patient as well communicate the patient's condition to the medical team.
9.
List appropriate interventions for a patient who is hypoxic. Check all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Sit in upright position
C. Call respiratory to administer hand held nebulizer if ordered PRN or due soon
D. Cough and Deep Breath
E. Ascultate bilateral breath sounds
Explanation
ressoving hypoxia by sitting the patient in high fowlers, opening constricted airways, opening collapsed alveoli and being proacive for early signes of heart failure / pulmonary edema / pneumonia - will help the patient the paitnet towards a more speedy recovery.
10.
A patient was admitted 2 days ago and placed on telemetry, you notice that the patient's rhythm on the monitor is atrial fibrillation. Your intial nurisng actions are to [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
Correct Answer(s)
C. Check the patient including vital signs
D. Check the chart to determine if this is an existing condition or not
Explanation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common dysrhythmia seen. The atria do not contract as evidenced by the wavy baseline and no P wave. Random signals get thru the AV node resulting in normal ventricular contraction. If conversion to SR is not attainable the next best goal is rate control and therapeutic anti-coagulation levels.
11.
Your patient is taking warfarin (coumadin) for treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. His rhythm on the cardiac monitor reads Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Rate 85. Your initial nursing action is to...
Correct Answer
D. Check vital signs including & apical pulse; continue to monitor
Explanation
The goals for chronic A-fib include controlled heart rate and therapeutic anticoagulation. HR of 85 is considered controlled.
12.
When you go into the patients room to give the patient's his morning medications you find him unconscious and pulseless. This patient is experiencing Pulseless Electrical Activity and your immediate nursing action is to...
Correct Answer
B. Initiate CPR and call a Dr. Heart
Explanation
Pulseless electrical activity also called electrical-mechanical disassociation - will produce an electrical rhythm on the monitor; however, the heart has ceased to mechanically contract to produce a pulse / BP. PEA / EMD is a lethal rhythm. Urgent CPR is the treatment of choice.
13.
Telemetry calls and tells you Mr. Smith's leads are off and the battery needs to be changed. What do you do? Check all that apply:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Place the leads on cleaned skin
B. Change the battery
C. Assess to determine if additional hair needs to be clipped or cut from the area where leads should be placed.
Explanation
Proper skin preparation (clipping hair/cleaning w/alcohol/skin prep) and lead placement is important for proper transmission of rhythms. Changing the battery allow for transmission.
14.
Causes for sinus bradycardia include [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
Correct Answer(s)
A. Medications like beta blockers
B. Well conditioned heart (like an athlete)
C. As a result of a vasovagal response - from vomiting or coughing
Explanation
Knowing the causes of bradycardia allows for appropriate patient care. Decreasing the heart rate w/ medications decreases the myocardial workload and oxygen demand. Brady rhythms are OK as long as the patient isn't symptomatic.
15.
Causes for sinus tachycardia include [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
Correct Answer(s)
A. Medications like cocaine, albuterol, epinepHrine
B. Smoking
C. Anxiety
D. Pain
Explanation
Sinus tachycardia is a condition characterized by a faster than normal heart rate. The causes for sinus tachycardia can include medications like cocaine, albuterol, and epinephrine, which can stimulate the heart and increase its rate. Smoking can also contribute to sinus tachycardia as it contains chemicals that can affect heart rate. Anxiety and pain are also known triggers for sinus tachycardia, as they can activate the body's stress response and cause the heart to beat faster. Therefore, all of the listed options can potentially cause sinus tachycardia.
16.
I pledge to demonstrate the core values of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics by upholding the standards of honesty and integrity. By answering yes, you certify that you are the person taking this test.
Correct Answer
A. Yes
Explanation
The given correct answer is "Yes" because by choosing this option, the person is pledging to uphold the standards of honesty and integrity, as stated in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Additionally, by answering "Yes," the person is confirming that they are the individual taking the test.
17.
Identify the lethal rhythm.
Correct Answer
C. Asystole
Explanation
Asystole is cardiac standstill with no cardiac output and no ventricular depolarization.
18.
Identify the lethal rhythm.
Correct Answer
C. PEA (pulseless electrical activity)
Explanation
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a clinical condition characterized by unresponsiveness and lack of palpable pulse in the presence of organized cardiac electrical activity. Pulseless electrical activity has previously been referred to as electromechanical dissociation (EMD).
19.
Identify the rhythm strip.
Correct Answer
D. Torsades de pointe
Explanation
Torsades de Pointes is an uncommon variant of ventricular tachycardia that can be the result of lengthening the QT interval. Torsades refers to the repeating continuum of upward then downward pointing ventricular complexes.
20.
You enter Mr. Jones room and you find him unresponsive, you check his carotid pulse and he has no pulse, what would be your next nursing actions, select all that APPLY:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Call for help
B. Have someone dial 7911 and call a Dr. Heart
C. Start CPR
Explanation
All are correct nursing interventions, but you should have the crash car either in the room or at the doorway of the room.