Which of the following is not a cardiac supportive device?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Explanation

A Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device used for ambulatory cardiac monitoring.
Its primary function is diagnostic: to record the heart's electrical activity over an extended period (typically 24-48 hours) to detect intermittent arrhythmias.
Unlike the other options, it does not provide any therapeutic intervention or active support to the heart's mechanical or electrical function; it only records data for later analysis.

Option A: The Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is a mechanical circulatory support device. It actively assists the heart by increasing coronary blood flow and reducing afterload, making it a supportive device.
Option B: Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB), or the heart-lung machine, is a form of life support that temporarily takes over the function of both the heart and lungs, most commonly during cardiac surgery. It is a definitive supportive device.
Option C: A pacemaker is an implantable device that provides electrical stimulation to regulate the heart's rhythm. It actively supports cardiac function by preventing bradycardia or correcting other rhythm disturbances.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiating between cardiac supportive and diagnostic devices as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility for a patient with a Holter monitor is patient education. The nurse must instruct the patient to keep a detailed diary of activities and symptoms, to avoid getting the device wet, and to continue with their normal daily routine.
Correlating the patient's symptom diary with the ECG recording is crucial for the physician to make an accurate diagnosis.
For supportive devices like IABP and pacemakers, nursing care focuses on monitoring for complications (e.g., infection, bleeding, device malfunction) and assessing hemodynamic stability.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'NOT' in the question stem. This indicates you are looking for the option that does not fit the category of 'cardiac supportive device'.
Define 'cardiac supportive device' in your mind: a device that actively helps the heart perform its function (pumping blood or maintaining rhythm).
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Analyze the function of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (assists pumping), Cardiopulmonary Bypass (replaces heart/lung function), and a Pacemaker (regulates rhythm). All are supportive.
Analyze the function of a Holter monitor (records ECG). This is for diagnosis, not support.
Conclude that the Holter monitor is the correct exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiating between cardiac supportive and diagnostic devices
Stem keywords: cardiac supportive device
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a cardiac supportive device.

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 243-245

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 36-38

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 503-505

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.