Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client with a ventricular pacemaker who is on ECG monitoring. The nurse understands that the pacemaker is functioning properly when which of the following appears on the monitor strip?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Correct Answer: C. Pacemaker spikes before each QRS complex.
Rationale: In a client with a ventricular pacemaker, the pacemaker spike should precede the QRS complex since the pacemaker is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse to stimulate ventricular depolarization. This is known as ventricular pacing. The presence of the pacemaker spike before each QRS complex indicates proper functioning of the pacemaker and effective capture of the ventricles. This ensures that the heart is being paced appropriately, maintaining the heart rate and rhythm.
Summary:
A: Pacemaker spikes with each T wave - Incorrect. Pacemaker spikes should precede QRS complex, not T wave.
B: Pacemaker spikes before each P wave - Incorrect. Ventricular pacemakers are responsible for pacing the ventricles, not atria.
D: Pacemaker spikes after each QRS complex - Incorrect. Pacemaker spikes should precede QRS complex for effective pacing.
Rationale: In a client with a ventricular pacemaker, the pacemaker spike should precede the QRS complex since the pacemaker is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse to stimulate ventricular depolarization. This is known as ventricular pacing. The presence of the pacemaker spike before each QRS complex indicates proper functioning of the pacemaker and effective capture of the ventricles. This ensures that the heart is being paced appropriately, maintaining the heart rate and rhythm.
Summary:
A: Pacemaker spikes with each T wave - Incorrect. Pacemaker spikes should precede QRS complex, not T wave.
B: Pacemaker spikes before each P wave - Incorrect. Ventricular pacemakers are responsible for pacing the ventricles, not atria.
D: Pacemaker spikes after each QRS complex - Incorrect. Pacemaker spikes should precede QRS complex for effective pacing.