Question

The nurse is caring for a client who goes into ventricular tachycardia. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

a. Call a code immediately.
b. Assess the client for a pulse.
c. Begin chest compressions.
d. Continue to monitor the client.

Answer 1

The first intervention a nurse should implement for a client who goes into ventricular tachycardia is to assess the client for a pulse. This determines whether chest compressions or defibrillation may be necessary. AEDs can deliver a shock to normalize heart rhythm in the event of ventricular fibrillation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for a client who goes into ventricular tachycardia. When addressing the situation, the first intervention the nurse should implement is to assess the client for a pulse. This critical step determines the next actions in the emergency response protocol. If a pulse is present, the situation may be managed differently than if the patient is pulseless, which would indicate that the ventricles are not effectively pumping blood and immediate action such as defibrillation or CPR may be required. In the case of pulseless ventricular tachycardia, calling a code and preparing for defibrillation or beginning chest compressions may soon follow, depending on the patient's condition and established protocols. It's essential to act quickly, as ventricular fibrillation can be life-threatening and may lead to brain death if untreated for even a short period. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can also be used to apply a shock to the heart in an attempt to reestablish a normal sinus rhythm.