ICDs

Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.

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Cardiacmedium priorityneeds review

ICDs

Also testable as: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Practice

Etiology / Pathophysiology

  • Device treats life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias.
  • Monitors rhythm and delivers therapy for dangerous ventricular rhythms.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Nursing actions

  • Teach shock plan and when to seek emergency care.
  • Assess anxiety and device site.
  • Keep external defibrillation pads away from device site if emergency shock is needed.

Complications

  • Inappropriate shock
  • Infection
  • Lead malfunction
  • Dysrhythmia recurrence

NCLEX cues

  • ICD shock is expected for detected lethal rhythm but repeated shocks need evaluation.

Memory hooks

  • ICD is internal defib backup.

Labs / Diagnostics

  • Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.

Review notes

  • Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.

Drive Pack cross references

ICDsCondition