A nurse is caring for a client following a synchronized cardioversion. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the treatment?

A. Diminished breath sounds on auscultation: Diminished breath sounds may indicate pulmonary complications such as atelectasis or fluid accumulation, which are not related to the effectiveness of cardioversion. This finding does not reflect a therapeutic response. B. Weak peripheral pulses on palpation: Weak pulses suggest poor perfusion or ongoing cardiac dysfunction rather than successful cardioversion. A therapeutic response would improve cardiac output and perfusion, resulting in stronger, more palpable pulses. C. Pacer spikes precede the QRS complex on the ECG tracing: Pacer spikes indicate the presence of a pacemaker delivering electrical impulses, not the success of synchronized cardioversion. Cardioversion effectiveness is measured by the restoration of normal rhythm rather than pacemaker activity. D. Cardiac monitor indicates sinus rhythm: Restoration of sinus rhythm on the cardiac monitor demonstrates that the synchronized cardioversion successfully terminated the dysrhythmia. Achieving sinus rhythm indicates improved electrical conduction and is the primary therapeutic goal of the procedure.