Dysrhythmia Exam Questions And Answers
A client's electrocardiogram strip shows atrial and ventricular rates of 80 complexes per
minute. The PR interval is 0.14 second, and the QRS complex measures 0.08 second.
The nurse interprets this rhythm is:
A) Normal sinus rhythm
B) Sinus bradycardia
C) Sinus tachycardia
D) Sinus dysrhythmia - right answer--A
A client has frequent bursts of ventricular tachycardia on the cardiac monitor. A nurse is
most concerned with this dysrhythmia because:
A) It is uncomfortable for the client, giving a sense of impending doom.
B) It produces a high cardiac output that quickly leads to cerebral and myocardial
ischemia.
C) It is almost impossible to convert to a normal sinus rhythm.
D) It can develop into ventricular fibrillation at any time. - right answer--D
Ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening dysrhythmia that results from an irritable
ectopic focus that takes over as the pacemaker for the heart. The low cardiac output
that results can lead quickly to cerebral and myocardial ischemia. Client's frequently
experience a feeling of impending death. Ventricular tachycardia is treated with
antidysrhythmic medications or magnesium sulfate, cardioversion (client awake), or
defibrillation (loss of consciousness), Ventricular tachycardia can deteriorate into
ventricular defibrillation at any time.
The nurse administers amiodarone (Cordarone) to a client with ventricular tachycardia.
Which monitoring by the nurse is necessary with this drug? Select all that apply.
a. Respiratory rate
b. QT interval
c. Heart rate and rhythm
d. Magnesium level
e. Urine output - right answer--BCD
Amiodarone causes prolongation of the QT interval, which can precipitate dysrhythmia.
Antidysrhythmic medications cause changes in cardiac rhythm and rate; therefore
monitoring of heart rate and rhythm is needed.Electrolyte depletion, specifically
potassium and magnesium, may predispose to further dysrhythmia. Although it is
always important to monitor vital signs and urine output, these assessments are not
specific to amiodarone.