71.4k views
5 votes
A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client who has a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

A. "I will notify the airport screeners about my pacemaker."
B. "I will expect to have occasional hiccups."
C. "I will have to disconnect my garage door opener."
D. "I will take my pulse every 2-3 days."

User Mirodinho
by
7.8k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The correct statement that indicates understanding of pacemaker discharge teaching is the need to inform airport screeners about the pacemaker, as airport security can affect the device. Hiccups, disconnecting garage door openers, and taking one's pulse are not directly related to pacemaker-specific instructions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by the client that indicates understanding of the discharge teaching for someone with a permanent pacemaker is: "I will notify the airport screeners about my pacemaker." This is because people with pacemakers have to be cautious with electromagnetic interference, and airport security systems can sometimes affect the functioning of the device. In contrast, hiccups are not a common expectation with pacemaker use, disconnecting a garage door opener is not necessary, and while taking one's pulse is a good practice, it's not indicative of specific pacemaker knowledge.

Pacemakers help maintain an appropriate time constant, detecting body motion and breathing to increase the heart rate during exercise and meet the body's increased needs for blood and oxygen. Therefore, preparing for how external devices and environments might affect the pacemaker is crucial, which is why notifying airport screeners is a responsible measure. Additionally, pacemakers have sensors and are programmable, which may include monitoring or adjustments by a cardiologist rather than the patient taking their pulse as a method to check the device's proper functioning.

User Pharring
by
8.1k points