You are caring for an 86 year old male patient in the ICU who was admitted with an acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure. The patient’s past medical history is significant for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and has had a mitral valve replacement. The patient puts on the call light and states that he feels like his heart is racing. You check the telemetry monitor and observe the following rhythm.
What arrhythmia is the patient experiencing?
What are your 3 priority assessments (include the rationale)?
What are your 2 priority nursing interventions (include the rationale for your choice)?
List two possible medications that could be used to treat this arrhythmia i (include the rationale for your choice).
The physician asks you to prepare the patient for cardioversion.
What is the rationale for the cardioversion?
How does cardioversion differ from defibrillation?
