Author Question: A nurse teaches a client who experiences occasional premature atrial contractions (PACs) accompanied ... (Read 68 times)

lracut11 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse teaches a client who experiences occasional premature atrial contractions (PACs) accompanied by palpitations that resolve spontaneously without treatment. Which statement should the nurse include in this client's teaching?

a. Minimize or abstain from caffeine.
b. Lie on your side until the attack subsides.
c. Use your oxygen when you experience PACs.
d. Take amiodarone (Cordarone) daily to prevent PACs.

Question 2

The nurse asks a client who has experienced ventricular dysrhythmias about substance abuse. The client asks, Why do you want to know if I use cocaine? How should the nurse respond?

a. Substance abuse puts clients at risk for many health issues.
b. The hospital requires that I ask you about cocaine use.
c. Clients who use cocaine are at risk for fatal dysrhythmias.
d. We can provide services for cessation of substance abuse.

alexisweber49 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
PACs usually have no hemodynamic consequences. For a client experiencing infrequent PACs, the nurse should explore possible lifestyle causes, such as excessive caffeine intake and stress. Lying on the side will not prevent or resolve PACs. Oxygen is not necessary. Although medications may be needed to control symptomatic dysrhythmias, for infrequent PACs, the client first should try lifestyle changes to control them.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Clients who use cocaine or illicit inhalants are particularly at risk for potentially fatal dysrhythmias. The other responses do not adequately address the client's question.