Page 1737 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

FIG. 52-9 Ventricular dysrhythmias—sustained ventricular tachycardia at a rate of 166
beats per minute.

FIG. 52-10 Ventricular dysrhythmias—coarse ventricular fibrillation.

Box 52-5

Pacemakers: Client Education

▪ Instruct the client about the pacemaker, including the programmed rate.
▪ Instruct the client in the signs of battery failure and when to notify the primary
health care provider (PHCP) or cardiologist.
▪ Instruct the client to report any fever, redness, swelling, or drainage from the
insertion site.
▪ Report signs of dizziness, weakness or fatigue, swelling of the ankles or legs,
chest pain, or shortness of breath.
▪ Keep a pacemaker identification card in the wallet and obtain and wear a
MedicAlert bracelet.
▪ Instruct the client in how to take the pulse, to take the pulse daily, and to
maintain a diary of pulse rates.
▪ Wear loose-fitting clothing over the pulse generator site.
▪ Avoid contact sports.
▪ Inform all PHCPs that a pacemaker has been inserted.
▪ Instruct the client to inform airport security that she or he has a pacemaker,
because the pacemaker may set off the security detector.
▪ Instruct the client that most electrical appliances can be used without any
interference with the functioning of the pacemaker; however, advise the client
not to operate electrical appliances directly over the pacemaker site.
▪ Avoid transmitter towers and antitheft devices in stores.

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