A patient with crushing chest pain is pale, hypotensive and has a regular wide-complex tachycardia at 190 beats per minute. The patient is still conscious and has a palpable pulse. Which treatment should the nurse prepare for urgently?
Correct answer: A. Synchronized cardioversion
- A. Synchronized cardioversion
- B. Routine chest compressions
- C. Oral potassium replacement
- D. A slow intravenous fluid restriction
Explanation
A rapid wide-complex rhythm with hypotension and chest pain is an unstable tachyarrhythmia. Synchronized cardioversion is used when a pulse is present; chest compressions are indicated only when there is no pulse.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
Practise Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
50 free Critical Care and Emergency 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 Critical Care and Emergency Nursing questions
A patient with severe hyponatraemia begins to have a generalised seizure. Which nursing action has the highest priority?
A farm worker arrives with salivation, lacrimation, vomiting, diarrhoea, wheezing and pinpoint pupils after pesticide exposure. Which medicine should the nurse expect to prepare?
A mechanically ventilated patient is stable and receiving enteral feeding. Which intervention helps reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia?
A patient with suspected septic shock has received prescribed intravenous fluid but remains confused, with cool mottled skin and a mean arterial pressure below the target ordered by the clinician. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate next?
During the primary survey of an emergency patient, which finding is assessed under the Disability component of the ABCDE approach?
A cardiac monitor shows ventricular fibrillation in an unresponsive patient with no palpable pulse. Which treatment should the nurse prepare for immediately?