Med Surg Nursing Care of Patient on Telemetry Questions & Answers 2022

What is telemetry? - ANSWER-Continual observation of the heart's electrical activity used to identify abnormalities in rate, rhythm and conduction. It is also used to evaluate pacemaker function and responses to various cardiac medications. What mechanical processes does telemetry monitoring use? - ANSWER-Leads are attached to a portable monitor transmitter that sends the electrical signals to a central monitor. This allows patients more freedom of movement. What are various indications that could warrant 24 hour telemetry? - ANSWER-Ruling out myocardial infarction, unstable BP, implantation of an automatic defibrillator lead or a pacemaker lead, uncomplicated ablation or an arrhythmia, or major surgery. What are various indications that could warrant a 48 hour telemetry? - ANSWER-Acute myocardial infarction, acute and subacute congestive heart failure, thoracic surgery, acute stroke, complex major surgery Nurses working on telemetry units receive training in.... - ANSWER-12 lead EKG, basic dysrhythmias, ACLS, and directed at care of the medical, surgical, or other patient populations the unit provides for. What might you find at the nursing station that monitors telemetry? - ANSWER-A 'slave' cardiac monitor, which each nurse can immediately see their patient's cardiac rhythm or changes in rhythm Who and where is continuous monitoring done by? - ANSWER-A specially trained EKG technician in a central location of the hospital What duties does a specially trained EKG tech have in regards to monitoring? - ANSWER-These techs will send telemetry reports to the nursing staff every 4 hours. Also, these techs will immediately call the nursing unit when there is a significant change in cardiac rhythm on a patient. Who is responsible for documentation of cardiac rhythm and telemetry status? - ANSWER-The nurse What two assessment strategies should the nurse use when assessing a heart? - ANSWER-Auscultation and palpation. While auscultation the apical pulse, the nurse should palpate the radial pulse. What is pulse deficit? - ANSWER-The difference between apical pulse and the radial pulse What would be indicated if a patient is experiencing a pulse deficit? - ANSWER-An arrhythmia such as atrial fib (AF), multifocal PACs or PVCs Where would you place the white lead of an electrical monitor? - ANSWER-Upper right chest Where would you place the black lead of an electrical monitor? - ANSWER-Upper left chest Where would you place the green lead of an electrical monitor? - ANSWER-Right lower chest Where would you place the red lead of an electrical monitor? - ANSWER-Left lower chest Where would you place the brown lead of an electrical monitor? - ANSWER-In the