It is determined that the patient needs a transcutaneous pacemaker until a transvenous pacemaker can be inserted. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
a. Apply conductive gel to the skin.
b. Provide adequate sedation and analgesia.
c. Recheck leads to make sure that the rhythm is asystole.
d. Set the milliamperes to 2 mA below the capture level.
B
The alert patient who requires transcutaneous pacing may experience some discomfort. Because the skeletal muscles are stimulated, as well as the heart muscle, the patient may experience a tingling, twitching, or thumping feeling that ranges from mildly uncomfortable to intolerable. Sedation, analgesia, or both may be indicated.
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