Question

The nurse is caring for a client who had a permanent pacemaker surgically placed yesterday and is now ready for discharge. Which statement made by the client indicates the need for more education.

a) "I will call the doctor if my incision becomes swollen and red."
b) "I will check my pulse every day and report to the doctor if the rate is below the pacemaker setting."
c) "We will be getting rid of our microwave oven so it will not affect my pacemaker."
d) "I will avoid any large magnets that may affect my pacemaker."

Answer 1

The statement indicating the need for more education is c) "We will be getting rid of our microwave oven so it will not affect my pacemaker." Modern pacemakers are generally safe to use with household electronics, but patients should avoid strong electromagnetic fields like those from large magnets.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address the student's question regarding pacemaker education, the correct answer is c) "We will be getting rid of our microwave oven so it will not affect my pacemaker." Modern pacemakers are designed to withstand interference from most household electronic devices, including microwave ovens. This indicates a misunderstanding about the functioning and limitations of a pacemaker, showing the need for more education about living with the device.

Pacemakers are medical devices that help regulate the heartbeat when a person's natural heart rhythm is too slow or irregular. They are critical for patients with arrhythmias to ensure the heart pumps blood effectively. This device usually has sensors that detect body motion and breathing to adjust the heart rate during physical activity.

It is important, however, for patients with pacemakers to avoid strong electromagnetic fields, such as those produced by large magnets, which could potentially interfere with pacemaker function. Statement d) "I will avoid any large magnets that may affect my pacemaker," accurately reflects a precaution that should be taken.