The electrical activity of the client’s heart is being continuously mo

The electrical activity of the client’s heart is being continuously monitored while the client is on the coronary care unit. Suddenly the nurse finds that the client is experiencing ventricular fibrilla-tion. The nurse will prepare to:

1. Administer atropine
2. Prepare for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
3. Prepare the client for surgical placement of a pacemaker
4. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver

ANSWER

ANS: 2
The nurse should prepare for CPR for the client experiencing ventricular fibrillation. Atropine is used for sinus bradycardia with hypotension and decreased cardiac output. In this case, the nurse should prepare to administer CPR, not atropine. A pacemaker may be required for the client with sinus bradycardia. It is not the treatment for ventricular fibrillation. The Valsalva maneuver is used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, not ventricular fibrillation.