When planning care for a client admitted with a cardiac dysrhythmia, the nurse should include which of the following?

Question

1. Encourage bed rest
2. Monitor serum electrolyte levels
3. Restrict fluids
4. Instruct in a low-fat diet

Answer 1

2. Monitor serum electrolytes

Rationale:
The nurse should monitor serum electrolyte levels because electrolyte imbalances affect cardiac depolarization and repolarization and may cause dysrhythmias. More information is needed before determining whether the client needs to be on bed rest. There is no evidence to suggest the client needs to have fluids restricted. There is no evidence to suggest the client needs instruction on a low-fat diet.