What is an important nursing intervention for patients with a pacemaker?

• A. Check blood glucose every hour
• B. Administer antibiotics
• C. Monitor heart rate and rhythm closely
• D. Perform daily blood draws

Answer: (C)

Monitoring heart rate and rhythm closely is essential because a pacemaker’s purpose is to regulate the heart’s electrical activity and ensure adequate cardiac output. The nursing focus is on detecting whether the device is functioning properly and whether the patient’s hemodynamic status remains stable. By continuously observing the rate and rhythm, you can catch signs of inadequate pacing (the heart rate staying too slow or not matching the patient’s demand), loss of capture (the pacemaker fails to elicit a heartbeat after a stimulus), or inappropriate sensing (the device misinterprets signals). Early detection of these issues allows prompt action—such as device interrogation, consulting the cardiology team, or adjusting therapy—to prevent dizziness, syncope, hypotension, or other complications. Other interventions like hourly glucose checks, routine antibiotics, or daily blood draws aren’t central to pacemaker management and patient safety in this context.