A patient becomes unresponsive and the cardiac monitor shows ventricular tachycardia. The nurse cannot feel a pulse. Which action is the priority?
Correct answer: A. Start chest compressions and activate the emergency response
- A. Start chest compressions and activate the emergency response
- B. Obtain a detailed history of previous cardiac disease
- C. Give oral fluids while waiting for the cardiology team
- D. Place the patient in a sitting position for easier breathing
Explanation
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is a cardiac arrest rhythm. The priority is immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and activation of the emergency response for defibrillation; history taking and oral fluids must wait.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Cardiovascular Nursing
Covers assessment and nursing care for hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, valvular disease and dysrhythmias. It includes interpreting vital signs and ECG findings, managing chest pain, monitoring cardiac medicines, recognizing complications and distinguishing left-sided from right-sided heart failure.
Practise Cardiovascular Nursing
50 free Cardiovascular Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this
Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Cardiovascular Nursing questions
A patient with a mechanical heart valve takes warfarin. Which statement shows correct understanding of the teaching?
A patient with chronic heart failure gains 2 kilograms over two days and reports increasing shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take?
Which ECG finding is most consistent with atrial fibrillation?
Two hours after femoral cardiac catheterisation, a patient reports warmth and wetness at the groin site. The nurse observes active bleeding. Which action should the nurse take first?
A patient taking lisinopril for hypertension has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mmol/L and reports muscle weakness. Which action should the nurse take first?
A patient is recovering from a myocardial infarction and suddenly develops severe breathlessness, pink frothy sputum and widespread crackles. Which action should the nurse take first?