Saunders Respiratory Practice

What action should the nurse take first when a cardiac monitor shows a straight line?

1. Call for the rapid response team

2. Check the client

3. Review the monitor settings

4. Reposition the electrodes

The correct answer is: Check the client

When a cardiac monitor displays a straight line, this typically indicates a loss of cardiac electrical activity, also known as asystole. The immediate priority in this scenario is to assess the patient directly. Checking the client involves evaluating their responsiveness, vital signs, and overall condition to determine if they are experiencing an actual cardiac event or if there may be a technical issue with the monitor. Assessing the patient allows the nurse to confirm whether there is a need for urgent intervention, such as initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient is unresponsive or lacks a pulse. This direct patient assessment is essential to ensure that appropriate and timely actions are taken based on the patient's actual clinical status. While the other options could be relevant in the management of a cardiac emergency or troubleshooting a monitor, the critical first step is to ensure the client’s safety by confirming their condition. If the patient is found to be unresponsive, it would then guide subsequent actions such as calling for help or troubleshooting the equipment.