A patient develops sinus bradycardia at a rate of 32 beats/minute, has a blood pressure (BP) of 80/42 mm Hg, and is complaining of feeling faint. Which actions should the nurse take next?
a. Recheck the heart rhythm and BP in 5 minutes.
b. Have the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver.
c. Give the scheduled dose of diltiazem (Cardizem).
d. Apply the transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads.
Question 2
A patient's cardiac monitor shows sinus rhythm, rate 64. The P-R interval is 0.18 seconds at 1:00 AM, 0.22 seconds at 2:30 PM, and 0.28 seconds at 4:00 PM. Which action should the nurse take next?
a. Place the transcutaneous pacemaker pads on the patient.
b. Administer atropine sulfate 1 mg IV per agency dysrhythmia protocol.
c. Document the patient's rhythm and assess the patient's response to the rhythm.
d. Call the health care provider before giving the next dose of metoprolol (Lopressor).