Question

The charge nurse is explaining the concept of pacemaker failure to capture to the new graduate. What information should the charge nurse give?

A. It occurs when the electrical charge is insufficient.
B. It occurs when the pacemaker does not recognize spontaneous heart activity.
C. A complication is ventricular tachycardia.
D. First-line treatment when this occurs is to turn down the electrical charge.

Answer 1

The charge nurse should explain that pacemaker failure to capture occurs when the pacemaker does not recognize spontaneous heart activity. It can happen when the electrical charge is insufficient to stimulate the heart muscle. A complication of pacemaker failure to capture can be ventricular tachycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge nurse should explain that pacemaker failure to capture occurs when the pacemaker does not recognize spontaneous heart activity. It can happen when the electrical charge is insufficient to stimulate the heart muscle. A complication of pacemaker failure to capture can be ventricular tachycardia, which is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles. The first-line treatment for this condition is not turning down the electrical charge, but rather addressing the underlying cause or adjusting the pacemaker settings.