DC Dysrhythmia Patient Care & Safety Standards 5

Question 1

A patient is admitted with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and develops rapid atrial fibrillation. Which medication should be AVOIDED because it may accelerate conduction through the accessory pathway?

Accepted Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Digoxin enhances conduction through the accessory pathway in WPW and can accelerate the ventricular rate to dangerous levels during atrial fibrillation.

Question 2

A nurse assesses a patient and finds the rhythm strip shows a progressively lengthening PR interval followed by a dropped QRS complex, then the cycle repeats. This is consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Second-degree AV block Type I (Wenckebach)

Answer

Progressive PR interval lengthening until a QRS is dropped and the cycle repeats is the classic pattern of Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) second-degree AV block.

Question 3

In the context of safe dysrhythmia monitoring, what is the primary purpose of setting individualized alarm parameters for each patient?

Accepted Answer

To ensure clinically significant changes trigger alarms while minimizing alarm fatigue

Answer

Individualized alarm parameters reduce alarm fatigue by ensuring alerts are clinically meaningful for each patient's specific baseline rhythm and condition.

Question 4

A patient in the ED presents with SVT at 180 bpm, BP 110/70, and no chest pain. The physician orders a vagal maneuver. Which technique is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Valsalva maneuver

Answer

The Valsalva maneuver increases vagal tone and is the most commonly used non-invasive technique to terminate SVT in stable patients.

Question 5

A patient with a known history of long QT syndrome is prescribed a new antibiotic. Which class of antibiotics should prompt the nurse to notify the provider due to QT-prolonging risk?

Accepted Answer

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin)

Answer

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are associated with QT prolongation and increased risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with known long QT syndrome.

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

DC Dysrhythmia Patient Care & Safety Standards 5