A patient is in the intensive care unit after a myocardial infarction. The nurse notes that the QT interval on this patient's electrocardiogram has been elongating. The nurse is concerned that which cardiac dysrhythmia may occur?
a. AV block
b. Bradycardia
c. Supraventricular tachycardia
d. Torsades de pointes
D
Torsades de pointes is a dysrhythmia that can occur with prolongation of the QT interval and can progress to fatal ventricular fibrillation. A prolonged QT interval does not signal the development of AV block, bradycardia, or SVT.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who will probably die within the next 2 weeks. What is the priority nursing intervention?
a. Encouraging the patient to limit fluid intake to minimize congestion b. Limiting the use of pain medications so that the patient can visit with family c. Helping the patient to identify and complete desired tasks and activities d. Completing funeral arrangements with the patient's next of kin
Which of the following best describes critical pathways?
A. Individualized plans of care B. Outcomes of primary care C. Multidisciplinary-developed patient plans of care D. Nursing intervention documentation
The nurse is aware that factors that play a part in increasing the risk of ear infections include: (Select all that apply.)
a. Parental smoking b. Breastfeeding c. Daycare outside the home d. Excessive pacifier use e. Exposure to cold, windy weather
The awareness and appreciation of the needs of others is
A. culture. B. sensitivity. C. ethnicity. D. race.