Which is a typical nursing intervention to assess effective function of an on-demand pacemaker?

Measuring the pulse against the demand rate is essential for assessing the functionality of an on-demand pacemaker. An on-demand pacemaker is designed to deliver electrical impulses only when the heart's intrinsic rate falls below a certain threshold, thus ensuring that it only activates when necessary. By comparing the patient's pulse rate to the set demand rate of the pacemaker, nurses can determine if the device is properly stimulating the heart as intended. If the pulse rate consistently aligns with the pacemaker's rate during periods of expected demand, it indicates that the device is functioning effectively.

Other techniques, while useful in broader cardiac assessments, do not specifically confirm the operational status of the pacemaker. Count the pulse over 30 seconds, for instance, is valuable for calculating heart rate but does not provide insight into whether the pacing is occurring at the appropriate times. Observing for any irregular rhythm can indicate potential issues in heartbeat regularity but again does not directly assess the demand pacing functionality. Using a stethoscope for heart sounds offers information on overall heart function but lacks specificity regarding the pacemaker's operational parameters. Thus, measuring the pulse against the demand rate is the most targeted intervention for evaluating the effectiveness of an on-demand pacemaker.