The electrical activity of the patient's heart is being continuously monitored while he is on the coronary care unit. Suddenly, the nurse finds that the patient is experiencing ventricular fibrillation
Which of the following actions should the nurse prepare to take? a. Administer atropine.
b. Prepare for CPR and defibrillation.
c. Prepare the patient for surgical placement of a pacemaker.
d. Instruct the patient to perform the Valsalva manoeuvre.
B
Feedback
A Atropine is used for sinus bradycardia with hypotension and decreased cardiac output. In this case, the nurse should prepare to administer CPR, not atropine.
B The nurse should prepare for CPR and defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia.
C A pacemaker may be required for the patient with sinus bradycardia. It is not the treatment for ventricular fibrillation.
D The Valsalva manoeuvre is used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, not ventricular fibrillation.
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