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the nurse is assessing a client with a known cardiac dysrhythmia. the nurse should most accurately assess the client's heart rate and rhythm by using which method?

User Gammapoint
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Final answer:

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is the most accurate method to assess a client's heart rate and rhythm for cardiac dysrhythmia, as it provides a detailed electrical representation of heart function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate method for assessing a client's heart rate and rhythm, especially when there is a known cardiac dysrhythmia, is by using an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical impulses of the heart, providing a detailed representation of the heart's rhythm. While auscultation using a stethoscope is a simpler method, it may not provide the detailed data required for analyzing complex dysrhythmias. The ECG trace can also be used to calculate the heart rate by assuming a constant time between beats, which is particularly useful for determining the heart rhythm and identifying any irregularities.

User Dineshkani
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2 votes

Final answer:

To accurately assess the heart rate and rhythm of a client with cardiac dysrhythmia, the most appropriate method is to use an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which measures the heart's electrical impulses.

Step-by-step explanation:

To most accurately assess a client's heart rate and rhythm with a known cardiac dysrhythmia, the nurse should use an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG is a test that measures the electrical impulses in the heart and provides a visual representation of the cardiac cycle, showing how the heart muscle is functioning. Auscultation with a stethoscope is another method that allows listening to the heart sounds and can provide valuable information about the heart's rhythm and function. However, for precise measurement of the rate and rhythm, the ECG is more appropriate because it can detect electrical abnormalities that may not always be audible.

User William Symionow
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