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EXAM 1: DYSRHYTHMIAS (NCLEX)
COMPREHENSIVE Q&A FOR GUARANTEED
SUCCESS
The client's rhythm strip shows a heart rate of 76 beats/min, one P wave occurring
before each QRS complex, a PR interval measuring 0.24 second, and a QRS
complex measuring 0.08 second. How does the nurse interpret this rhythm strip?
a. Normal sinus rhythm
b. Sinus bradycardia
c. Sinus rhythm with first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block
d. Sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions - correct-answer-C
The nurse is teaching the client with a new permanent pacemaker. Which
statement by the client indicates the need for further discharge education?
a. "I will be able to shower again soon."
b. "I need to take my pulse every day."
c. "I might trigger airport security metal detectors."
d. "I no longer need my heart pills."' - correct-answer-D
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The nurse is caring for a client with unstable angina whose cardiac monitor shows
ventricular tachycardia. Which action is appropriate to implement first?
a. Defibrillate using 200 J.
b. Check the client for a pulse.
c. Cardiovert the client at 50 J.
d. Administer IV ibutilide (Corvert). - correct-answer-B
The nurse obtains a 6-second rhythm strip and charts the following analysis: atrial
rate 70, regular; ventricular rate 40, regular; QRS 0.04 sec; no relationship
between P waves and QRS complexes; atria and ventricles beating independently
of each other. Which of the following would be a correct interpretation of this
rhythm strip?
a. Sinus dysrhythmias
b. Third-degree heart block
c. Wenckebach phenomenon
d. Premature ventricular contractions - correct-answer-B
The nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours postpacemaker insertion. Which
of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate at this time?
a. Reinforcing the pressure dressing as needed
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b. Encouraging range-of-motion exercises of the involved arm
c. Assessing the incision for any redness, swelling, or discharge
d. Applying wet-to-dry dressings every 4 hours to the insertion site - correct-
answer-C
After pacemaker insertion, it is important for the patient to limit activity of the
involved arm to minimize pacemaker lead displacement. The nonpressure
dressing is kept dry until removed, usually 24 hours postoperative. It is important
for the nurse to observe signs of infection by assessing for any redness, swelling,
or discharge from the incision site.
The nurse is watching the cardiac monitor, and a patient's rhythm suddenly
changes. There are no P waves. Instead there are fine, wavy lines between the
QRS complexes. The QRS complexes measure 0.08 sec (narrow), but they occur
irregularly with a rate of 120 beats/min. The nurse correctly interprets that this
rhythm is which of the following?
a. Sinus tachycardia
b. Atrial fibrillation
c. Ventricular fibrillation
d. Ventricular tachycardia - correct-answer-B
For which of the following dysrhythmias is defibrillation primarily indicated?
a. Ventricular fibrillation
EXAM 1: DYSRHYTHMIAS (NCLEX)
COMPREHENSIVE Q&A FOR GUARANTEED
SUCCESS
The client's rhythm strip shows a heart rate of 76 beats/min, one P wave occurring
before each QRS complex, a PR interval measuring 0.24 second, and a QRS
complex measuring 0.08 second. How does the nurse interpret this rhythm strip?
a. Normal sinus rhythm
b. Sinus bradycardia
c. Sinus rhythm with first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block
d. Sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions - correct-answer-C
The nurse is teaching the client with a new permanent pacemaker. Which
statement by the client indicates the need for further discharge education?
a. "I will be able to shower again soon."
b. "I need to take my pulse every day."
c. "I might trigger airport security metal detectors."
d. "I no longer need my heart pills."' - correct-answer-D
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The nurse is caring for a client with unstable angina whose cardiac monitor shows
ventricular tachycardia. Which action is appropriate to implement first?
a. Defibrillate using 200 J.
b. Check the client for a pulse.
c. Cardiovert the client at 50 J.
d. Administer IV ibutilide (Corvert). - correct-answer-B
The nurse obtains a 6-second rhythm strip and charts the following analysis: atrial
rate 70, regular; ventricular rate 40, regular; QRS 0.04 sec; no relationship
between P waves and QRS complexes; atria and ventricles beating independently
of each other. Which of the following would be a correct interpretation of this
rhythm strip?
a. Sinus dysrhythmias
b. Third-degree heart block
c. Wenckebach phenomenon
d. Premature ventricular contractions - correct-answer-B
The nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours postpacemaker insertion. Which
of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate at this time?
a. Reinforcing the pressure dressing as needed
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b. Encouraging range-of-motion exercises of the involved arm
c. Assessing the incision for any redness, swelling, or discharge
d. Applying wet-to-dry dressings every 4 hours to the insertion site - correct-
answer-C
After pacemaker insertion, it is important for the patient to limit activity of the
involved arm to minimize pacemaker lead displacement. The nonpressure
dressing is kept dry until removed, usually 24 hours postoperative. It is important
for the nurse to observe signs of infection by assessing for any redness, swelling,
or discharge from the incision site.
The nurse is watching the cardiac monitor, and a patient's rhythm suddenly
changes. There are no P waves. Instead there are fine, wavy lines between the
QRS complexes. The QRS complexes measure 0.08 sec (narrow), but they occur
irregularly with a rate of 120 beats/min. The nurse correctly interprets that this
rhythm is which of the following?
a. Sinus tachycardia
b. Atrial fibrillation
c. Ventricular fibrillation
d. Ventricular tachycardia - correct-answer-B
For which of the following dysrhythmias is defibrillation primarily indicated?
a. Ventricular fibrillation
