💊 NCLEX-RN Exam Prep

A patient is being discharged after receiving a new permanent pacemaker. Which instruction is most critical for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?

A Avoid using microwave ovens as they can interfere with the pacemaker.
B Report any signs of dizziness, fatigue, or swelling in the arm on the pacemaker side.
C Limit arm movements, especially above the shoulder, on the affected side for 6-8 weeks.
D It is safe to resume all normal activities, including heavy lifting, after one week.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Limiting arm movement on the affected side after pacemaker insertion is crucial to prevent dislodgement of the leads from the myocardium, which could lead to complications requiring reoperation.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A patient is being discharged after receiving a new permanent pacemaker. Which instruction is most critical for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?" is Option C: Limit arm movements, especially above the shoulder, on the affected side for 6-8 weeks..

The other options — A) Avoid using microwave ovens as they can interfere with the pacemaker., B) Report any signs of dizziness, fatigue, or swelling in the arm on the pacemaker side., D) It is safe to resume all normal activities, including heavy lifting, after one week. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Limiting arm movement on the affected side after pacemaker insertion is crucial to prevent dislodgement of the leads from the myocardium, which could lead to complications requiring reoperation.

📚 About This NCLEX-RN Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question from the Safe & Effective Care topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free NCLEX-RN Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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