Pacemakers

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Device supports slow or unsafe conduction rhythms.
• Electrical impulses trigger atrial and/or ventricular contraction when native rhythm is inadequate.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Signs / symptoms

• Pacemaker spike without QRS can mean failure to capture.
• Hiccups or twitching after insertion can suggest lead issue.

Nursing actions

• Monitor capture, sensing, and client symptoms.
• After insertion, limit affected arm movement per instructions and assess incision.
• Teach device ID, follow-up, and magnet/electrical precautions per provider guidance.

Complications

• Failure to capture
• Infection
• Lead dislodgement
• Pneumothorax after insertion

NCLEX cues

• Pacemaker spike without QRS can mean failure to capture.
• Hiccups or twitching after insertion can suggest lead issue.

Memory hooks

• Spike should make a beat.

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.