Author Question: A patient whose heart rate is 52 beats per minute reports feeling dizzy and light-headed. What is ... (Read 53 times)

lb_gilbert · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient whose heart rate is 52 beats per minute reports feeling dizzy and light-headed. What is the nurse's best first action?

a. Start an IV line.
b. Ask if the patient has experienced this before.
c. Notify the prescriber immediately.
d. Check the patient's blood pressure.

Question 2

What is the most important advantage for intravenous (IV) infusion of drugs?

a. Anyone can administer IV drugs.
b. The drug reaches the bloodstream immediately.
c. Drugs given intravenously cost less than drugs given orally.
d. The patient is not required to be alert to swallow the drug.

komodo7 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
A slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute) results in a decrease in cardiac output, blood pressure, and perfusion to a patient's vital organs. This leads to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, syncope, and decreased peripheral pulses. While the nurse will want to notify the prescriber, the patient's blood pressure should be checked first.

Answer to Question 2

B
Drugs administered by IV infusion are immediately in the bloodstream and reach their target tis-sues fastest. This means that both the drug benefits (intended actions) and any adverse actions can happen more quickly. IV drugs tend to cost more than oral drugs. Although the patient does not have to be alert to receive IV drugs, it is not their main advantage. Administering IV drugs can only be performed by a skilled health care provider.