Question

An 80-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with dizziness. She now states she is asymptomatic after walking around. Her blood pressure is 102/72 mm Hg. She is alert and oriented. Her lead II ECG is below. After you start an IV, what is the next action? (strip missing displays a 2nd degree AV block AKA Wenkebach)

Answer 1

After starting an IV for an 80-year-old woman with dizziness and a blood pressure of 102/72 mm Hg, the next action would be to monitor the patient closely and evaluate her symptoms and vital signs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next action after starting an IV for an 80-year-old woman with dizziness and a blood pressure of 102/72 mm Hg would be to monitor the patient closely and evaluate her symptoms and vital signs. The presence of a 2nd degree AV block (Wenckebach) on the ECG is relevant, but it does not require immediate intervention unless the patient becomes hemodynamically unstable.

Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or worsening dizziness would warrant further evaluation and potentially prompt intervention. It is important to assess the patient's overall condition, perform additional tests if necessary, and involve a cardiologist for further management.