what should the nurse do if a patient presents with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet

1. What should the healthcare provider do if a patient presents with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome?

A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Administer aspirin
C. Obtain cardiac enzymes
D. Get IV access and auscultate heart sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin is the priority action in the treatment of chest pain in acute coronary syndrome. Nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and relieving chest pain. Aspirin can also be given to reduce clot formation, but nitroglycerin takes precedence in providing immediate relief. Obtaining cardiac enzymes and assessing heart sounds are important steps in the diagnostic process but do not address the immediate need to relieve chest pain and prevent cardiac tissue damage. Therefore, administering sublingual nitroglycerin is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient presenting with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome.

2. What intervention is required when continuous bubbling is seen in the chest tube water seal chamber?

A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
B. Clamp the chest tube
C. Replace the chest tube
D. Continue monitoring the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When continuous bubbling is observed in the chest tube water seal chamber, tightening the connections of the chest tube system is the appropriate intervention. This action can often resolve an air leak, which is the common cause of continuous bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or replacing it is not recommended as the first-line intervention because it may lead to complications or unnecessary tube changes. Continuing to monitor the chest tube without addressing the air leak would delay necessary corrective action, potentially causing respiratory compromise in the patient. Therefore, tightening the connections of the chest tube system is the most suitable initial step to manage continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.

3. What is the preferred electrical intervention for a patient with ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?

A. Synchronized cardioversion
B. Defibrillation
C. Pacing
D. Medication administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Synchronized cardioversion. In ventricular tachycardia with a pulse, synchronized cardioversion is the preferred electrical intervention. Synchronized cardioversion is used to treat tachyarrhythmias where there is a pulse present. Defibrillation (choice B) is used in emergencies for pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Pacing (choice C) is more suitable for bradycardias or certain conduction abnormalities. Medication administration (choice D) may be used in stable cases or as an adjunct to other treatments, but synchronized cardioversion is the primary intervention for ventricular tachycardia with a pulse.

4. What is a characteristic sign of hypokalemia on an ECG?

A. Flattened T waves
B. ST elevation
C. Prominent U waves
D. Widened QRS complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are a characteristic sign of hypokalemia on an ECG. When potassium levels are low, it can lead to changes in the ECG, such as T wave flattening. This alteration is important to recognize as it indicates potential electrolyte imbalances. ST elevation (Choice B) is not typically associated with hypokalemia but can be seen in conditions like myocardial infarction. Prominent U waves (Choice C) are associated with hypokalemia, but flattened T waves are more specific. Widened QRS complex (Choice D) is not a typical ECG finding in hypokalemia but can be seen in conditions like hyperkalemia.

5. What are the expected findings in a patient experiencing hypokalemia?

A. Flattened T waves on an ECG
B. Elevated ST segments
C. Prominent U waves
D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flattened T waves on an ECG. Hypokalemia is characterized by flattened T waves on an ECG, which is an early indicator of low potassium levels. Elevated ST segments (Choice B) are associated with conditions like myocardial infarction, not hypokalemia. Prominent U waves (Choice C) are typically seen in hypokalemia, but flattened T waves are more specific. Bradycardia (Choice D) can be a manifestation of severe hypokalemia but is not as specific as flattened T waves on an ECG.