A patient was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis 1 hour ago and is on an insulin drip. Suddenly, the nurse notices frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on the electrocardiogram. The expected intervention would be to
a. administer a lidocaine bolus.
b. administer a lidocaine drip.
c. synchronize cardioversion.
d. evaluate electrolytes.
D
Hyperkalemia occurs with acidosis or with overaggressive administration of potassium replacement in patients with renal insufficiency. Severe hyperkalemia is demonstrated on the cardiac monitor by a large, peaked T wave; flattened P wave; and widened QRS complex.
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A nurse is providing patient teaching for a 62-year-old woman who is taking triamterene. The nurse will teach the patient to avoid which of the following in her diet?
A) Avocados B) Bell peppers C) Mushrooms D) Fresh pineapple
A group of new nurses are going to work on the telemetry unit. They are taking a class on electrocardiograms (ECGs) and arrhythmias. What would the staff educator tell this class about ST segments?
A) The part of an ECG that reflects repolarization of the ventricles B) The part of an ECG used to calculate ventricular rate and rhythm C) The part of an ECG that reflects the time from ventricular depolarization through repolarization D) The part of an ECG that reflects the end of the QRS complex to the beginning of the T wave
Which action by the nurse shows an understanding of the ethical principle of autonomy?
a. Allowing a patient the right to make deci-sions regarding his health care even if the nurse does not agree with his decisions. b. Making decisions for the patient regarding his care c. Disregarding the patient's decisions be-cause they are not "normal" according to society d. Consulting the attending physician to make decisions for the patient
The nurse administers a tuberculin screening test to a patient who has no known risk factors for tuberculosis. When the test site is read 48 hours later, which result is considered positive?
a. Induration of 2 mm or more b. Induration of 5 mm or more c. Induration of 10 mm or more d. Induration of 15 mm or more