Which electrocardiographic (ECG) change is most important for the ...

[michelleunicorn]

Which electrocardiographi c (ECG) change is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider when caring for a patient with chest pain?
 
  a. Inverted P wave
  b. Sinus tachycardia
  c. ST-segment elevation
  d. First-degree atrioventricular block

Question 2

When caring for a patient who has just arrived on the medical-surgical unit after having cardiac catheterization, which nursing intervention should the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?
 
  a. Give the scheduled aspirin and lipid-lowering medication.
  b. Perform the initial assessment of the catheter insertion site.
  c. Teach the patient about the usual postprocedure plan of care.
  d. Titrate the heparin infusion according to the agency protocol.

[matt95]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The patient is likely to be experiencing an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Immediate therapy with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic medication is indicated to minimize myocardial damage. The other ECG changes may also suggest a need for therapy, but not as rapidly.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Administration of oral medications is within the scope of practice for LPNs/LVNs. The initial assessment of the patient, patient teaching, and titration of IV anticoagulant medications should be done by the registered nurse (RN).

[michelleunicorn]

Thank you

[matt95]

No problemo