Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing supraventricular tachycardia. Upon assessing the client, the nurse observes the following findings: heart rate 200/min, blood pressure 78/40 mm Hg, and respiratory rate 30/min. which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a-defibrillate the client's heart
b-perform synchronized cardioversion
c-begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation
b-administer lidocaine IV bolus

Answer 1

To treat the client's supraventricular tachycardia, the nurse should perform synchronized cardioversion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms observed, the client is experiencing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT is a rapid heart rate that originates in the upper chambers of the heart. In this case, the heart rate is 200 beats per minute, which is significantly higher than the normal range of 60-100 bpm.

The nurse should perform synchronized cardioversion, which is a procedure that uses a controlled electric shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm. This procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting and requires medical professionals to deliver the shock at the right moment during the cardiac cycle.

Administering lidocaine IV bolus and defibrillating the client's heart are not appropriate interventions for SVT. Lidocaine is often used in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, not supraventricular arrhythmias. Defibrillation is used for life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.