Author Question: The pacemaker insertion surgery places G.P. at risk for several serious complications List three ... (Read 52 times)

sarasara · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The pacemaker insertion surgery places G.P. at risk for several serious complications

List three potential problems that you will monitor for as you care for him.

Question 2

Within the hour, G.P. converts with intravenous diltiazem (Cardizem) to sick sinus syndrome with long sinus pauses that cause lightheadedness and hypotension.

What risks does the new rhythm pose for G.P.? Explain the reasons for your answers.

anoriega3 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Infection: To prevent infection or irritation of the pacemaker site, use sterile technique with dressing
changes.
Pacemaker dysfunction: The pacemaker can fail to pace (initiate an electrical impulse), fail to sense
(be responsive to the patient's own cardiac activity), or fail to capture (stimulate a ventricular
contraction). All of these problems can result in dysrhythmias, ineffective cardiac function, and
symptoms for the patient.
Perforation of the endocardium: The result could be cardiac tamponade. He might experience sharp
chest pain on inspiration and excessive hiccups, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure
(BP), and shortness of breath.
Hematoma at the incision site: You would see evidence of increased ecchymosis, swelling, and
tenderness at the incision site.
Pneumothorax: He would experience sudden, sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.

Answer to Question 2

Syncope and falls because of the hypotension and lightheadedness
Increased anginal episodes and more serious dysrhythmias because of decreased perfusion to the
heart
Confusion, altered level of consciousness because of decreased perfusion to the brain
Heart failure (HF) because of inadequate heart rate during bradycardia and inadequate ventricular
filling during tachycardia