Final answer:
A nurse should provide reassuring information on the function and safety of a temporary pacemaker to ease a client's concerns, emphasizing its role in restoring and maintaining normal heart rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client expresses concern over having a temporary pacemaker implanted, the nurse should respond with empathy and information to alleviate their fears. An artificial pacemaker is a medical device that delivers electrical impulses to the heart muscle, essentially maintaining proper heart rhythm and ensuring the heart pumps blood effectively. Pacemakers are highly sophisticated and can be programmed to provide stimulation either temporarily or continuously, with some devices even including built-in defibrillators. These devices adjust their pacing based on sensors that detect body motion and breathing, thus increasing heart rate appropriately during exercise to ensure the body's needs for blood and oxygen are met.
It is important for the nurse to ensure that the client understands that the pacemaker is a common and highly effective tool used to manage arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The ultimate goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm and reduce the symptoms caused by the arrhythmia. By providing clear and reassuring information about the function and safety of the pacemaker, the nurse can help to reduce the client's anxiety and promote a better understanding of their treatment plan.