Module 7 CV Dysfunction Pacemakers and ICDs Part 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the pulse generator in a cardiac pacemaker system?

  • To regulate the heart's natural rhythm by dampening erratic electrical signals.
  • To provide a physical support structure for the lead system within the cardiac chambers.
  • To sense the heart's intrinsic electrical activity and transmit this data to a remote monitoring station.
  • To generate an electrical current that travels through the pacing lead, initiating myocardial depolarization. (correct)

For a patient experiencing a 2nd degree, type 2 AV block or a 3rd degree AV block complicating an inferior MI, what is the most appropriate initial intervention?

  • Administration of a beta-blocker to reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
  • Initiation of antiarrhythmic drug therapy to prevent progression to complete heart block.
  • Immediate insertion of a permanent pacemaker to restore synchronous AV conduction.
  • Application of external pacing to stabilize the patient. (correct)

What is the key differentiating factor between temporary and permanent pacing methods?

  • Temporary pacing is only indicated for ventricular arrhythmias; permanent pacing is for both atrial and ventricular issues.
  • Temporary pacing delivers a higher voltage than permanent paving.
  • Temporary pacing is used for short-term support, whereas permanent pacing provides long-term cardiac rhythm management. (correct)
  • Temporary pacing requires a more invasive surgical procedure compared to permanent pacing.

In the context of cardiac pacing, what is the significance of 'sensitivity'?

<p>Sensitivity indicates how responsive a pacemaker is to intrinsic electrical activity in the heart. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying mechanism by which an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) terminates ventricular tachycardia?

<p>By emitting a low-energy synchronized shock, known as cardioversion, to disrupt the re-entry circuit. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary distinction between 'demand' and 'fixed rate' pacing modes?

<p>'Demand' pacing only delivers a stimulus when the heart's intrinsic pacemaker function fails; 'fixed rate' pacing delivers stimuli regardless of intrinsic activity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical implication of 'loss of capture' in a patient with a permanent pacemaker?

<p>The pacemaker is delivering a stimulus, but that stimulus is not resulting in myocardial depolarization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental physiological principle underlying the function of an AV sequential pacemaker?

<p>To deliver pacing stimuli to the atrium and ventricle in a coordinated sequence, mimicking normal cardiac physiology, with sufficient AV delay. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects a key advantage of rate-responsive pacemakers?

<p>Rate-responsive pacemakers automatically adjust the pacing rate based on the patient's metabolic needs and activity levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cardiac pacing, how would a pacemaker be defined if it is programmed to sense both the atrium and ventricle, and is capable of both triggering and inhibiting its response based on sensed events?

<p>DDD (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate immediate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing electrical storm (multiple ICD firings) caused by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia?

<p>Administer amiodarone and prepare for synchronized cardioversion, while addressing the underlying cause. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a primary indication for implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?

<p>Documented episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia in the absence of reversible causes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the assessment of a patient with a pacemaker, what ECG finding confirms appropriate atrial pacing?

<p>A pacer spike followed by a consistent P wave. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a permanent pacemaker is scheduled for an MRI. What consideration is most important?

<p>The pacemaker should be interrogated and programmed to an MRI-safe mode if it is MRI-conditional. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical nursing action to prevent microshock in a patient with a temporary transvenous pacemaker?

<p>Insulating all exposed pacemaker terminals and leads. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological event is directly represented by the 'artifact or spike' seen on an ECG tracing of a patient with a cardiac pacemaker?

<p>The electrical impulse delivered by the pacemaker to stimulate depolarization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the 'lead system' in the context of cardiac pacing?

<p>To deliver electrical impulses from the pulse generator to the heart tissue and transmit sensed signals back to the generator. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following implantation of a permanent pacemaker, a patient reports persistent discomfort and limited range of motion in the affected arm. What complication should the nurse suspect?

<p>Subclavian vein thrombosis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using temporary transcutaneous pacing in an emergency?

<p>It can be initiated rapidly and non-invasively. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a newly implanted ICD receives a shock. In what order are these nursing actions needed? 1. Assess the patient’s level of consciousness, airway, and breathing. 2. Document the event and ICD response in the patient’s record. 3. Obtain a 12-lead ECG. 4. Notify the physician.

<p>1, 3, 4, 2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate sensor to use to enable 'rate responsiveness' in a permanent pacemaker, to best mimic natural physiological heart rate changes during exercise?

<p>A minute ventilation sensor that detects changes in respiratory rate and tidal volume. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

While caring for a patient with a temporary transvenous pacemaker, the nurse observes frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). How should the nurse initially respond?

<p>Assess the patient's electrolyte levels and pacemaker settings, and check the lead position. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ECG characteristic is most indicative of oversensing in a patient with a ventricular pacemaker?

<p>Pacer spikes falling within the patient's intrinsic QRS complexes or T waves. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the 'inhibit' function in a modern cardiac pacemaker?

<p>The pacemaker senses intrinsic cardiac activity and withholds a pacing impulse. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is paramount in reducing infection risk following permanent pacemaker implantation?

<p>Strict adherence to sterile technique during dressing changes and incision care. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a history of ventricular fibrillation is being evaluated for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Which diagnostic finding would be the strongest indication for ICD placement?

<p>A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 30%. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key educational point should a nurse emphasize when teaching a patient about living with an ICD?

<p>Report any signs of infection at the insertion site, and understand when and how to seek medical attention after a shock. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cardiac pacing, what does the term 'capture' specifically refer to?

<p>The depolarization of the atria and/or ventricles in response to the electrical stimulus delivered by the pacemaker. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a permanent pacemaker develops pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT). What is the underlying mechanism?

<p>The pacemaker is sensing atrial activity and inappropriately triggering ventricular pacing, creating a re-entrant circuit. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using bipolar pacing leads over unipolar leads?

<p>Bipolar leads are less susceptible to sensing extraneous electrical signals (lower risk of oversensing). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is scheduled for cardioversion. Which action is essential to ensure patient safety?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a patient experiencing AV block after an inferior MI, which pacemaker configuration would most closely mimic normal cardiac conduction physiology?

<p>DDD (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important consideration when providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new permanent pacemaker regarding cell phone use?

<p>Cell phones should be kept at least six inches away from the pacemaker and used on the opposite ear. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of arrhythmia is most likely indicated by this ECG of an ICD patient?

<p>Ventricular tachycardia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When preparing a patient for external (transcutaneous) pacing, what is the most important initial assessment by the nurse?

<p>Assessing the patient's level of consciousness and ensuring availability of analgesia, due to discomfort. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best explains the occurrence of oversensing in pacemakers?

<p>The pacemaker is sensing electrical impulses too rapidly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

AV blocks and MI

AV blocks are commonly seen with inferior MI.

Pacemaker indications

Pacemakers can be used when the heart is unable to generate impulses or transmit impulses.

Pulse generator function

It generates an electrical current that travels through the pacing lead and exits through an electrode in direct contact with the heart initiating a depolarization.

Lead system purpose

The lead system allows signals to travels through the electrode to heart tissue and offers communication between pulse generator and heart muscle.

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Temporary pacing methods

Temporary pacing can be achieved via epicardial, transvenous, or external (transcutaneous) methods.

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Fixed Rate (Asynchronous) pacing

Delivers a pacing stimulus at a set rate, regardless of the patient's own depolarization.

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Demand (Synchronous) pacing

Delivers a pacing stimulus only if the heart's intrinsic pacemaker fails to function at a predetermined rate.

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Atrioventricular Sequential (Dual Chamber) pacing

Delivers a pacing stimulus to both the atrium and ventricle in a coordinated sequence.

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Artifact

This refers to the spike seen on ECG tracing as the pacing stimulus.

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Capture

Depolarization of atria and/or ventricles by an electrical stimulus delivered by a PM.

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Demand

Delivers a stimulus only when the heart's intrinsic PM fails to function at a predetermined rate.

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Inhibit

Senses intrinsic activity and withholds a PM impulse.

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Trigger

Delivers PM impulse based on predetermined settings.

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Loss of Capture

A condition when the pacemaker fails to cause depolarization.

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Oversensing

Inappropriate inhibition of pacing due to the device sensing signals it should not, leads to pauses in pacing and can cause symptoms such as dizziness or syncope.

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Assessing Pacer Patient

Know the patient's condition (rhythm, indication, symptoms). Know what the pacer should be doing.

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Nursing Management

Prevention of malfunction, micro shock protection, infection risk, TCP comfort. Educate the patient and family.

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ICD Indications

Cardiac arrest from VF or VT, syncope with VT refractory to drugs, lethal dysrhythmias inducible during EP study, primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, Genetic or familial conditions

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Study Notes

  • Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Complications of a MI includes cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Types of Arrhythmias

  • AV blocks are most commonly seen with inferior MI.
  • For 2nd degree, type 2, and 3rd degree AV block, external pacing is typically the first action.

Pacemakers Indications

  • Pacemakers are indicated for the inability to generate impulses.
  • Pacemakers are indicated for the inability to transmit impulses.
  • Pacemakers are indicated to control ectopic arrhythmias.

Components of a Pacemaker

  • A pulse generator generates an electrical current that travels through the pacing lead and exits through an electrode in direct contact with the heart and initiates a depolarization.
  • A lead system sends a signal through the electrode to heart tissue and provides communication between the pulse generator and heart muscle.

Pacing Methods

  • Temporary pacing methods include: epicardial, transvenous, and external (transcutaneous).
  • Permanent pacing is also a method.

Temporary Pulse Generators

  • Epicardial pacing involves placing atrial and ventricular electrodes directly on the heart.
  • Temporary transvenous and transcutaneous pacing are other temporary methods.
  • Transcutaneous PM includes a negative and positive electrode with a sensing area.

Permanent Pulse Generators

  • Permanent PMs are implanted internally
  • The permanent PM generator has an IS-1 port

Pacing

  • Atrial pacing shows normal conduction and abnormal conduction with an atrial pacer spike.
  • Ventricular pacing shows normal and abnormal conduction with a ventricular pacer spike.
  • AV sequential pacing shows normal and abnormal conduction.

Words to Know

  • Artifact: A spike seen on the ECG tracing as the pacing stimulus.
  • Capture: Depolarization of atria and/or ventricles by an electrical stimulus delivered by a PM.
  • Sensitivity: The degree to which a PM is responsive to levels of electrical activity in the heart.
  • Demand: Delivers a stimulus only when the heart's intrinsic PM fails to function at a predetermined rate.
  • Inhibit: Senses intrinsic activity and withholds a PM impulse.
  • Trigger: Delivers a PM impulse based on predetermined settings.

PM Terminology

  • Fixed Rate (Asynchronous): Delivers a pacing stimulus at a set rate (fixed) regardless of the patient's own depolarization.
  • Demand (Synchronous): Delivers a pacing stimulus only when the heart's intrinsic pacemaker fails to function at a predetermined rate; the pacing stimulus is either inhibited or triggered by the sensing of intrinsic activity.
  • Atrioventricular Sequential (Dual Chamber): Delivers a pacing stimulus to the atrium and ventricle in physiologic sequence with sufficient AV delay to permit adequate ventricular filling.

NASPE/BPEG Generic Code

  • Chamber(s) Paced: O = None, A = Atrium, V = Ventricle, D = Dual (A + V).
  • Chamber(s) Sensed: O = None, A = Atrium, V = Ventricle, D = Dual (A + V).
  • Response to Sensing: O = None, T = Triggered, I = Inhibited, D = Dual (T + I).

PM Malfunction: Pacing Abnormalities

  • Loss of capture is a pacing abnormality.

PM Malfunction: Sensing Abnormalities

  • Undersensing is a sensing abnormality.
  • Oversensing is a sensing abnormality.

Assessing the Pacer Patient

  • Know the patient's condition (rhythm, indication, symptoms).
  • Know what the pacer should be doing.
  • Evaluate the pacer by ECG.

Nursing Management

  • Prevention of malfunction
  • Micro shock protection
  • Infection risk
  • TCP comfort
  • Educate the patient and family

Permanent Pacemaker

  • Rate responsiveness
  • Implantation
  • Nursing care

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)

  • Indications include: Cardiac arrest from VF or VT, syncope with VT refractory to drugs, lethal dysrhythmias inducible during EP study, primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, and genetic or familial conditions.
  • The ICD automatically delivers low-energy synchronized shocks if dysrhythmia continues (cardioversion).
  • In ventricular fibrillation, high energy shock therapy is used to stop and instantly reset the heart rhythm.
  • ICDs can restore normal heart rhythm with painless pacing therapy in most cases of ventricular tachycardia.

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