Question

you have begun transcutaneous pacing of a 52-year-old male who is in third-degree heart block. he was initially unresponsive to all stimuli, with a pulse of 32, blood pressure 60 by palpation, and a respiratory rate of 12. which of the following is least helpful when determining the effectiveness of transcutaneous pacing?

Answer 1

When determining the effectiveness of transcutaneous pacing, the least helpful parameter is respiratory rate. Transcutaneous pacing is used to treat third-degree heart block and increase the heart rate, so the most helpful parameters to assess its effectiveness are heart rate and blood pressure. In this scenario, the pulse and blood pressure should be monitored to determine if they improve with the use of transcutaneous pacing.