DC Dysrhythmia Patient Care & Safety Standards 2

Question 1

A patient on continuous cardiac monitoring develops a sustained ventricular tachycardia at 160 bpm but remains awake and has a palpable pulse. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer amiodarone IV per protocol and notify physician

Answer

Stable VT with a pulse is treated with antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone while physician notification occurs, not immediate defibrillation.

Question 2

When applying monitoring electrodes, which skin preparation step is most critical to ensure accurate signal quality?

Accepted Answer

Clipping or shaving excessive hair at electrode sites

Answer

Removing excessive hair at electrode sites reduces impedance and ensures proper electrode contact for accurate signal acquisition.

Question 3

A nurse notes a patient's rhythm strip shows a PR interval of 0.28 seconds with all P waves followed by QRS complexes. Which dysrhythmia does this represent?

Accepted Answer

First-degree AV block

Answer

A PR interval consistently greater than 0.20 seconds with each P wave followed by a QRS complex indicates first-degree AV block.

Question 4

A patient receiving digoxin develops frequent PVCs and complains of nausea. The nurse checks the serum digoxin level, which is 3.2 ng/mL. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Hold the digoxin dose and notify the provider immediately

Answer

A digoxin level of 3.2 ng/mL is toxic (therapeutic range 0.5–2.0 ng/mL), and the drug must be withheld with immediate physician notification.

Question 5

Which patient condition most increases the risk of developing torsades de pointes?

Accepted Answer

QTc interval prolongation greater than 500 ms

Answer

QTc prolongation beyond 500 ms significantly increases risk of torsades de pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

DC Dysrhythmia Patient Care & Safety Standards 2