The nurse caring for a patient who requires a

14.
The nurse caring for a patient who requires a temporary transvenous pacemaker. Which
statement indicates that the patient understands the nurse ’ s teaching?
a. “ I may experience uncomfortable muscle contractions.
b. “ The procedure will use general anesthesia.
c. “ I will be given a sedative after the procedure.
d. “ This device may be left in place for 6 weeks.
ANS: A
A temporary transvenous pacemaker is placed if a transient rhythm such as heart block
develops after a myocardial infarction or drug toxicity. It is important that the patient
understands the uncomfortable muscle contractions are normal. Transvenous pacemakers are
inserted by fluoroscopy with local anesthesia, and the leads are attached to an external power
source. Patient consent is required, and a sedative is given to the patient before the procedure.
Epicardial pacemaker wires are often placed during cardiac surgery for quick use should the
patient need to be “ paced ” in the postoperative period. The wires are brought through the
chest wall and are attached to an external power source. When the need for the wires is past,
the surgeon will pull them out. The device is a short-term solution and is only used until the
problem resolved or a permanent device is inserted.
”
”
”
”
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 439
OBJ: 6 (clinical) TOP: Temporary Pacemakers
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

15.
Which teaching point will the nurse include when providing discharge instructions to the
patient with a new permanent pacemaker?
”
”
”
”
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 440, Patient Teaching
OBJ: 5 (clinical) TOP: Permanent Pacemaker: Postoperative Expectations
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation