Question 1

The nurse changes the ECG electrodes on a patient who is on a continuous cardiac monitor.The patient tells the nurse that the electrodes were just changed the previous day.Which of the following rationales is the correct explanation for the nurse to share with the patient?

Accepted Answer

A) Changing the electrodes more often than 24 hours can result in skin breakdown. 
B) It is not necessary to change the electrodes daily. 
C) It was not documented that the electrodes were changed. 
D) Changing the electrodes daily will decrease the number of false alarms.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient on continuous cardiac monitoring.The nurse assesses the rhythm as regular with a normal PQRST complex and a rate of 62 beats per minute.Which analysis is the correct interpretation of this cardiac rhythm?

Accepted Answer

A) Sinus bradycardia 
B) Sinus tachycardia 
C) Premature bradycardia 
D) Normal sinus rhythm

Question 3

When describing the rationale for connecting electrodes to each limb and around the heart,the nurse shares with the patient which appropriate explanation?

Accepted Answer

A) The leads view a specific portion of the heart's surface to help determine which part has sustained damage. 
B) Multiple leads are necessary to provide a three-dimensional view of the heart. 
C) The electrodes are necessary to provide a shock to the heart if needed during cardiac conversion. 
D) The limb electrodes are required to provide a backup study in the event of artifact.

Question 4

The nurse identifies the appropriate equipment necessary to obtain a 12-lead ECG and gathers the following supplies.(Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

A) 12-Lead ECG machine 
B) Clean,dry towel 
C) Hair clippers 
D) Betadine cleanser

Question 5

The nurse is assessing if the patient needs a 12-lead ECG.Which of the following indications,if identified,indicates that a 12-lead ECG should be obtained? (Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

A) Suspected acute coronary syndromes including myocardial infarction 
B) History of smoking 2 packs per day for 30 years 
C) Evaluation of syncope 
D) Disorders of the cardiac rhythm

Question 6

The nurse recognizes the following indications as appropriate for continuous cardiac monitoring.(Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

A) Postresuscitation patients 
B) Patients with heart failure 
C) Patients over the age of 75 years 
D) Diagnosis of dysrhythmias in children

Question 7

The nurse determines the needs to obtainment of a 12-lead ECG on a patient.The nurse assesses two identifiers to ensure patient safety.This practice is in compliance with which safety organization?

Accepted Answer

A) American Nurses Association 
B) The Joint Commission 
C) The National Hospital Association for Patient Safety 
D) Magnet Credentialing

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child after open-heart surgery.When assessing the patient,the nurse notes that the position of the leads may be different in the pediatric population.Which lead placement explains this special consideration?

Accepted Answer

A) The position of the green lead can be changed to mirror one of the precordial lead positions. 
B) The standard placement for V1 is at the fifth intercostal space,right sternal border. 
C) The standard placement for V1 is at the fourth intercostal space,left sternal border. 
D) In general,mechanisms of dysrhythmias are the same in children as they are in adults.

Question 9

The nurse is observing a nursing assistive personnel (NAP)perform a 12-lead ECG tracing on a newly admitted patient.The nurse recognizes that the NAP requires additional training on this skill when she observes which of the following erroneous lead placements?

Accepted Answer

A) V1-Fourth intercostal space at the right sternal angle 
B) V2-Fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border 
C) V4-Fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line 
D) V6-Left midaxillary line at the level of V4 horizontally

Question 10

A patient is being monitored on a continuous cardiac monitor.The nurse directs the nursing assistive personnel (NAP)to immediately report which of the following patient findings? (Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

A) Patient complaints of pain 
B) Shortness of breath 
C) Hypotension 
D) Patient's request to use the bedside commode

Question 11

The nurse is supervising a nursing assistive personnel (NAP)while applying electrodes for continuous cardiac monitoring to an elderly patient.The nurse recognizes the need for further education when the NAP attaches which monitor lead to the electrode?

Accepted Answer

A) White is negative. 
B) Black is neutral. 
C) Red is the ground lead. 
D) Brown is positive.

Question 12

When preparing the skin before ECG electrode placement,clipping the hair in the electrode area is preferred over shaving due to risk of _________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When preparing the skin before ECG electrode...

Question 13

ECG tracings that cannot be interpreted are known as _________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ECG tracings that cannot be interpreted are...

Question 14

Reduction of alarm fatigue is an important nursing practice.The nurse addresses this concern when which of the following actions is implemented?

Accepted Answer

A) Change the electrodes once per shift. 
B) Provide initial and ongoing education about the intravenous pumps. 
C) Monitor all patients diagnosed with cancer on continuous cardiac monitoring. 
D) Set the parameters for the pulse oximetry machine within the standard normal range.

Question 15

After obtaining a 12-lead ECG,the nurse records the date and time the ECG was obtained,the reason for obtaining the ECG,and who the ECG was given to for interpretation in the patient's chart.After this documentation,what is the appropriate action of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

A) Immediately report any unexpected outcomes. 
B) Reposition the patient to a position of comfort. 
C) Report to the nursing assistive personnel that the 12-lead ECG is completed. 
D) Invite the family caregivers to visit at the bedside.

Exam 26: Cardiac Care