Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of the pulse generator in a cardiac pacemaker system?
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?
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?
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'?
In the context of cardiac pacing, what is the significance of 'sensitivity'?
What is the underlying mechanism by which an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) terminates ventricular tachycardia?
What is the underlying mechanism by which an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) terminates ventricular tachycardia?
Which of the following best describes the primary distinction between 'demand' and 'fixed rate' pacing modes?
Which of the following best describes the primary distinction between 'demand' and 'fixed rate' pacing modes?
What is the critical implication of 'loss of capture' in a patient with a permanent pacemaker?
What is the critical implication of 'loss of capture' in a patient with a permanent pacemaker?
What is the fundamental physiological principle underlying the function of an AV sequential pacemaker?
What is the fundamental physiological principle underlying the function of an AV sequential pacemaker?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects a key advantage of rate-responsive pacemakers?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects a key advantage of rate-responsive pacemakers?
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?
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?
What is the most appropriate immediate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing electrical storm (multiple ICD firings) caused by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia?
What is the most appropriate immediate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing electrical storm (multiple ICD firings) caused by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia?
Which of the following represents a primary indication for implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?
Which of the following represents a primary indication for implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?
In the assessment of a patient with a pacemaker, what ECG finding confirms appropriate atrial pacing?
In the assessment of a patient with a pacemaker, what ECG finding confirms appropriate atrial pacing?
A patient with a permanent pacemaker is scheduled for an MRI. What consideration is most important?
A patient with a permanent pacemaker is scheduled for an MRI. What consideration is most important?
What is the most critical nursing action to prevent microshock in a patient with a temporary transvenous pacemaker?
What is the most critical nursing action to prevent microshock in a patient with a temporary transvenous pacemaker?
What physiological event is directly represented by the 'artifact or spike' seen on an ECG tracing of a patient with a cardiac pacemaker?
What physiological event is directly represented by the 'artifact or spike' seen on an ECG tracing of a patient with a cardiac pacemaker?
What is the primary role of the 'lead system' in the context of cardiac pacing?
What is the primary role of the 'lead system' in the context of cardiac pacing?
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?
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?
What is the primary advantage of using temporary transcutaneous pacing in an emergency?
What is the primary advantage of using temporary transcutaneous pacing in an emergency?
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.
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.
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?
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?
While caring for a patient with a temporary transvenous pacemaker, the nurse observes frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). How should the nurse initially respond?
While caring for a patient with a temporary transvenous pacemaker, the nurse observes frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). How should the nurse initially respond?
Which ECG characteristic is most indicative of oversensing in a patient with a ventricular pacemaker?
Which ECG characteristic is most indicative of oversensing in a patient with a ventricular pacemaker?
Which statement best describes the 'inhibit' function in a modern cardiac pacemaker?
Which statement best describes the 'inhibit' function in a modern cardiac pacemaker?
Which nursing intervention is paramount in reducing infection risk following permanent pacemaker implantation?
Which nursing intervention is paramount in reducing infection risk following permanent pacemaker implantation?
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?
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?
What key educational point should a nurse emphasize when teaching a patient about living with an ICD?
What key educational point should a nurse emphasize when teaching a patient about living with an ICD?
In the context of cardiac pacing, what does the term 'capture' specifically refer to?
In the context of cardiac pacing, what does the term 'capture' specifically refer to?
A patient with a permanent pacemaker develops pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT). What is the underlying mechanism?
A patient with a permanent pacemaker develops pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT). What is the underlying mechanism?
What is the primary reason for using bipolar pacing leads over unipolar leads?
What is the primary reason for using bipolar pacing leads over unipolar leads?
A patient is scheduled for cardioversion. Which action is essential to ensure patient safety?
A patient is scheduled for cardioversion. Which action is essential to ensure patient safety?
In a patient experiencing AV block after an inferior MI, which pacemaker configuration would most closely mimic normal cardiac conduction physiology?
In a patient experiencing AV block after an inferior MI, which pacemaker configuration would most closely mimic normal cardiac conduction physiology?
What is the most important consideration when providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new permanent pacemaker regarding cell phone use?
What is the most important consideration when providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new permanent pacemaker regarding cell phone use?
What type of arrhythmia is most likely indicated by this ECG of an ICD patient?
What type of arrhythmia is most likely indicated by this ECG of an ICD patient?
When preparing a patient for external (transcutaneous) pacing, what is the most important initial assessment by the nurse?
When preparing a patient for external (transcutaneous) pacing, what is the most important initial assessment by the nurse?
What best explains the occurrence of oversensing in pacemakers?
What best explains the occurrence of oversensing in pacemakers?
Flashcards
AV blocks and MI
AV blocks and MI
AV blocks are commonly seen with inferior MI.
Pacemaker indications
Pacemaker indications
Pacemakers can be used when the heart is unable to generate impulses or transmit impulses.
Pulse generator function
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
Lead system purpose
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Temporary pacing methods
Temporary pacing methods
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Fixed Rate (Asynchronous) pacing
Fixed Rate (Asynchronous) pacing
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Demand (Synchronous) pacing
Demand (Synchronous) pacing
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Atrioventricular Sequential (Dual Chamber) pacing
Atrioventricular Sequential (Dual Chamber) pacing
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Artifact
Artifact
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Capture
Capture
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Demand
Demand
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Inhibit
Inhibit
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Trigger
Trigger
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Loss of Capture
Loss of Capture
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Oversensing
Oversensing
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Assessing Pacer Patient
Assessing Pacer Patient
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Nursing Management
Nursing Management
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ICD Indications
ICD Indications
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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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