A nurse is performing an admission assessment on an older adult client with multiple chronic diseases. The nurse assesses the heart rate to be 48 beats/min. What does the nurse do first?
a. Document the finding in the chart.
b. Evaluate for a pulse deficit.
c. Assess the client's medications.
d. Administer 1 mg of atropine.
C
Pacemaker cells in the conduction system decrease in number as a person ages, resulting in bra-dycardia. The nurse should check the medication reconciliation for medications that might cause such a drop in heart rate, then should inform the health care provider. Documentation is impor-tant, but it is not the priority action. The heart rate is not low enough for atropine to be needed.
You might also like to view...
This schizophrenic patient has been taking Prolixin for 6 months. She now is experiencing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Which medication is most likely to be added?
A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) B. Alprazolam (Xanax) C. Benztropine (Cogentin) D. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a first time mother and her baby. Which statement is appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session?
A) "Your baby's stools will change to a dark green color when your milk comes in." B) "Call your pediatrician if the baby's temperature is 98 °F." C) "Your infant should have 6 wet diapers each day." D) "You can wipe away any green eye drainage that might form."
Access to healthcare in the United States is a national concern. The licensed practical/vocational nurse can most directly influence legislation by:
A) reading about legislation related to various issues. B) explaining his or her views to his or her coworkers. C) joining a national organization. D) getting elected to a public office.
A patient comes into the clinic with complaints of extreme thirst, extreme urination, and ongoing hunger. Which blood glucose level should the nurse use to determine if the patient has diabetes?
a. 110 mg/dL b. 126 mg/dL c. 185 mg/dL d. 210 mg/dL