The nurse observes a client on the telemetry unit have paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?
a. Continue to observe the client's telemetry monitor for changes
b. Assist the client to perform a valsalva maneuver
c. Lower the head of the bed and begin chest compressions
d. Assess the client for numbness and tingling in the extremities
b. Assist the client to perform a valsalva maneuver
rationale: A client with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, should be quickly assessed and treated by the nurse. The client may or may not be symptomatic. If the client is asymptomatic or has dizziness or chest pain, the nurse can assist the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver to slow the heart rate and convert the client into normal sinus rhythm. If the client becomes hypotensive, then medical treatment is necessary, including rapid cardioversion with sedation. The provider should be notified if the condition is new or becoming more frequent, or if the condition has new onset symptoms that were not present before.
You might also like to view...
Ten hours after admission to the ICU following an auto accident, a client begins to exhibit mild tachycardia, irritability, and tremors. Three hours later the client has a grand mal seizure. The staff suspect that the client has:
1. Wernicke's encephalopathy. 2. Korsakoff's syndrome. 3. Undetected internal bleeding. 4. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Why must most cardiac dysrhythmias be treated?
a. They increase preload. b. They decrease preload. c. They increase cardiac output. d. They decrease cardiac output.
The nurse is conducting a health history assessment for an older adult patient. The patient states, "I have to get up and use the bathroom several times each night."
Which term will the nurse use when documenting this assessment finding? 1) Nocturia 2) Dysphagia 3) Aphasia 4) Pruritis
A nurse practicing in nursing informatics is a guest speaker for a nursing class. One of the students in the class asks the nurse how she gained her knowledge. Which response by the nurse would be most likely?
A) "I went to graduate school to obtain a master's degree." B) "I basically learned on-the-job and with continuing education." C) "I got my RN after going to business school first to learn about computers." D) "I have a doctorate degree in nursing and computer science."