The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart. The client's history includes a previous myocardial infarction and pacemaker implantation. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

a. Schedule an electrocardiogram just before the MRI.
b. Notify the health care provider before scheduling the MRI.
c. Call the physician and request a laboratory draw for cardiac enzymes.
d. Instruct the client to increase fluid intake the day before the MRI.

Answer 1

B
The magnetic fields of the magnetic resonance imager can deactivate the pacemaker. The nurse should call the health care provider and report that the client has a pacemaker so the provider can order other diagnostic tests. The client does not need cardiac enzymes, an electrocardiogram, or increased fluids.