Telemetry Med Surg Exam 3 With
Verified Solutions
How does telemetry monitor help in assessing fluid status in patients with renal failure?
✔✔Telemetry helps monitor heart rate and rhythm, providing clues about fluid overload or
electrolyte imbalances in renal failure patients, which can lead to arrhythmias, pulmonary edema,
or other complications.
What can cause a telemetry monitor to show frequent false alarms?
✔✔Frequent false alarms can be caused by poor electrode contact, patient movement, or
electrical interference. Ensuring proper electrode placement and reducing movement can help
reduce these false alarms.
What is the role of telemetry in managing patients with arrhythmias?
✔✔Telemetry allows continuous monitoring of patients with arrhythmias, ensuring that any
changes in heart rate or rhythm are quickly detected and treated, potentially preventing further
complications like stroke or cardiac arrest.
What does the U-wave represent on an ECG in telemetry monitoring?
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,✔✔The U-wave represents the final phase of ventricular repolarization. Its presence is often seen
in patients with electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia, and should be monitored closely in
telemetry to prevent arrhythmias.
What is the action to take if a telemetry monitor shows bradycardia with symptoms of
hypotension?
✔✔If bradycardia with hypotension is observed, the patient should be assessed for possible
causes, such as electrolyte imbalances, and interventions like atropine or pacing may be required
to increase heart rate and stabilize blood pressure.
What is the role of telemetry in detecting electrolyte imbalances in patients?
✔✔Telemetry helps detect electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium or magnesium, by
monitoring for changes in the ECG, such as a prolonged QT interval or peaked T-waves,
allowing for early intervention and correction.
How does telemetry help in monitoring post-operative patients for complications like
arrhythmias?
✔✔Telemetry provides continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm in post-operative
patients, detecting arrhythmias or ischemic changes early, which allows for timely intervention
to prevent complications like stroke or cardiac arrest.
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,What should be the first step when a telemetry monitor detects a potential arrhythmia?
✔✔The first step is to assess the patient’s clinical status by checking their pulse, respiratory rate,
and level of consciousness. If the patient is symptomatic, further action such as medication or
defibrillation may be needed.
What is a common cause of artifact in telemetry monitoring, and how can it be addressed?
✔✔A common cause of artifact in telemetry is patient movement, which can disrupt the
electrical signal. This can be minimized by ensuring proper electrode placement and reminding
the patient to remain still during monitoring.
How does telemetry help in managing patients with congestive heart failure (CHF)?
✔✔Telemetry helps manage CHF by continuously monitoring heart rate, rhythm, and respiratory
patterns. This allows early detection of worsening symptoms such as arrhythmias or fluid
retention, enabling prompt intervention.
What does a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) in telemetry indicate?
✔✔Tachycardia indicates a heart rate higher than normal, which may be caused by fever, pain,
anxiety, blood loss, or underlying cardiac conditions. It requires evaluation to determine the
cause and decide on appropriate treatment.
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, What does the P-wave on an ECG indicate in telemetry monitoring?
✔✔The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, showing the electrical impulse that triggers the
atria to contract. Changes in the P-wave can help identify atrial arrhythmias or conduction
disturbances.
How is sinus bradycardia identified on telemetry?
✔✔Sinus bradycardia is identified when the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute, with a
regular rhythm and normal P-wave configuration, indicating a slower-than-normal heart rate
originating from the sinoatrial node.
What should be done if a patient is found to have ventricular fibrillation (VF) on telemetry?
✔✔If ventricular fibrillation is detected, immediate action is needed: start CPR and prepare for
defibrillation, as VF can lead to cardiac arrest if not treated within minutes.
What can a prolonged QT interval indicate on an ECG, and how is it managed in telemetry?
✔✔A prolonged QT interval can indicate an increased risk for arrhythmias, particularly torsades
de pointes. In telemetry, it should be closely monitored, and the patient's electrolyte levels should
be checked and corrected as needed.
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