PRACTICE QUESTION SET TWO
◉ The nurse knows that what PR interval presents a first-degree
heart block?
A. 0.16 seconds
B. 0.14 seconds
C. 0.24 seconds
D. 0.18 seconds Answer: C. 0.24 seconds
In adults, the normal range for the PR is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. A PR
internal of 0.24 seconds would indicate a first-degree heart block.
◉ The licensed practical nurse is co-assigned with a registered
nurse in the care of a client admitted to the cardiac unit with chest
pain. The licensed practical nurse is assessing the accuracy of the
cardiac monitor, which notes a heart rate of 34 beats/minute. The
client appears anxious and states not feeling well. The licensed
,practical nurse confirms the monitor reading. When consulting with
the registered nurse, which of the following is anticipated?
A. The registered nurse administering atropine sulfate intravenously
B. The registered nurse stating to administer all medications except
those which are cardiotonics
C. The registered nurse stating to hold all medication until the pulse
rate returns to 60 beats/minute
D. The registered nurse stating to administer digoxin Answer: A. The
registered nurse administering atropine sulfate intravenously
The licensed practical nurse and registered nurse both identify that
client's bradycardia. Atropine sulfate, a cholinergic blocking agent, is
given intravenously (IV) to increase a dangerously slow heart rate.
Lanoxin is not administered when the pulse rate falls under 60
beats/minute. It is dangerous to wait until the pulse rate increases
without nursing intervention or administering additional
medications until the imminent concern is addressed.
◉ The nurse analyzes a 6-second electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing.
The P waves and QRS complexes are regular. The PR interval is 0.18
seconds long, and the QRS complexes are 0.08 seconds long. The
,heart rate is calculated at 70 bpm. The nurse correctly identifies this
rhythm as
A. junctional tachycardia.
B. first-degree atrioventricular block.
C. sinus tachycardia.
D. normal sinus rhythm. Answer: D. normal sinus rhythm.
The electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing shows normal sinus rhythm
(NSR). NSR has the following characteristics: ventricular and atrial
rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm) in the adult; ventricular and
atrial rhythm: regular; and QRS shape and duration: usually normal,
but may be regularly abnormal; P wave: normal and consistent
shape, always in front of the QRS; PR interval: consistent interval
between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds and P:QRS ratio: 1:1.
◉ A nurse provides evening care for a client wearing a continuous
telemetry monitor. While the nurse is giving the client a back rub,
the client 's monitor alarm sounds and the nurse notes a flat line on
the bedside monitor system. What is the nurse's first response?
, A. Call a code and obtain the crash cart.
B. Call for assistance and begin CPR.
C. Administer a pericardial thump.
D.Assess the client and monitor leads. Answer: D.Assess the client
and monitor leads.
The nurse should assess the client and monitor leads first. It is
important that the nurse "treat the client, not the monitor."
Ventricular asystole may often appear on the monitor when leads
are displaced. The other interventions are not necessary.
◉ A patient with hypertension has a newly diagnosed atrial
fibrillation. What medication does the nurse anticipate
administering to prevent the complication of atrial thrombi?
A. Atropine
B. Warfarin
C. Amiodarone