ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 26 : Management of Patients With Dysrhythmias and Conduction Problems Questions
Question 1 of 5
New nurses on the telemetry unit have been paired with preceptors. One new nurse asks her preceptor to explain depolarization. What would be the best answer by the preceptor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The electrical stimulation of the heart is called depolarization, and the mechanical contraction is called systole. Electrical relaxation is called repolarization, and mechanical relaxation is called diastole.
Question 2 of 5
A cardiac care nurse is aware of factors that result in positive chronotropy. These factors would affect a patients cardiac function in what way?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Stimulation of the sympathetic system increases heart rate. This phenomenon is known as positive chronotropy. It does not influence dysrhythmias.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with refractory atrial fibrillation who underwent the maze procedure several months ago. The nurse reviews the result of the patients most recent cardiac imaging, which notes the presence of scarring on the atria. How should the nurse best respond to this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The maze procedure is an open heart surgical procedure for refractory atrial fibrillation. Small transmural incisions are made throughout the atria. The resulting formation of scar tissue prevents reentry conduction of the electrical impulse. Consequently, scar formation would constitute a successful procedure. There is no indication for repeating the procedure or implanting a pacemaker.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is scheduled for catheter ablation therapy. When describing this procedure to the patients family, the nurse should address what aspect of the treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Catheter ablation destroys specific cells that are the cause or central conduction route of a tachydysrhythmia. It does not reset the hearts contractility and it does not address structural or vascular abnormalities.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has undergone diagnostic testing and received a diagnosis of sinus bradycardia attributable to sinus node dysfunction. When planning this patients care, what nursing diagnosis is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sinus bradycardia causes decreased cardiac output that is likely to cause activity intolerance. It does not typically cause pain, fluid imbalances, or neglect of a unilateral nature.