A client is brought to the emergency room with a third-degree heart block after experiencing an acute anterior myocardial infarction. Which of the following interventions is the priority on an emergency basis?
A.Cardioversion
B. Administer lidocaine
C. Temporary pacemaker
D. Administer atropine
Answer: C. Temporary pacemaker
A third-degree heart block is a lethal rhythm. It is the complete blockage of the atrial impulses into the ventricles. The block may be at the A-V node,
bundle of His, or bundle branches, resulting in the atria and ventricles beating independently of each other. The atrial rate is usually normal while the ventricular rate is very slow and below 55 beats per minute. The causes may be an anterior myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, surgery, aging, or drug toxicity such as digoxin, procaoinamide (Procanbid), or verapamil (Calan).
A.Cardioversion
B. Administer lidocaine
C. Temporary pacemaker
D. Administer atropine
Answer: C. Temporary pacemaker
A third-degree heart block is a lethal rhythm. It is the complete blockage of the atrial impulses into the ventricles. The block may be at the A-V node,
bundle of His, or bundle branches, resulting in the atria and ventricles beating independently of each other. The atrial rate is usually normal while the ventricular rate is very slow and below 55 beats per minute. The causes may be an anterior myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, surgery, aging, or drug toxicity such as digoxin, procaoinamide (Procanbid), or verapamil (Calan).