The nurse is notified the patient's heart monitor shows ventricular fibrillation. Initial assessment reveals strong peripheral pulses and even, unlabored respirations with an oxygen saturation of 98%. Which action does the nurse take first?

Check the monitor leads. Ventricular fibrillation results in a clinical picture of cardiac arrest, namely unconsciousness and ineffective/absent breathing. In the well-appearing patient, it is most likely that the rhythm on the monitor is spurious. The leads may not be attached properly or they may be affected by interference. Epinephrine, defibrillation, and activation of the hospital's code team are appropriate interventions for the unresponsive patient in ventricular fibrillation.

The nurse is notified the patient's heart monitor shows ventr...

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Physiological Adaptation
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Category: Physiological Adaptation
Difficulty: 6

Topics: Cardiovascular Crisis Management Assessment Health Promotion Nursing Interventions

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