A nurse is analyzing a client's electrocardiogram (ECG) strip and identifies the following information:
Heart rate: 92/min
Rhythm: Irregular
P wave: Unable to identify
PR interval: Unable to measure
QRS duration: O. 1 0 seconds
Based upon this information, the nurse should interpret the client's rhythm as indicating which of the following?
Atrial fibrillation
Sinus bradycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia
First-degree heart block
The Correct Answer is A
A. Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm, absence of identifiable P waves, and irregular ventricular response. The heart rate in atrial fibrillation can be variable, and the absence of identifiable P waves indicates disorganized atrial electrical activity.
B. Sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute (bpm) and normal P waves preceding each QRS complex. In sinus bradycardia, the PR interval and QRS duration are typically within normal limits.
C. Supraventricular tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 bpm. SVT typically presents with narrow QRS complexes and may or may not have discernible P waves.
D. First-degree heart block: First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval (>0.20 seconds) but maintains a regular rhythm with normal QRS duration. In first-degree heart block, P waves are typically identifiable, and the rhythm is not irregular.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
All of the following should be included in the teaching:
A. Living a sedentary lifestyle: Sedentary behavior, characterized by physical inactivity, is a risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions, including atrial fibrillation. Regular exercise is important for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation.
B. Family history of atrial fibrillation: A family history of atrial fibrillation increases an individual's risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors play a role in predisposing individuals to atrial fibrillation, and having a close relative with the condition can elevate one's risk.
C. History of thyroid disease: Thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Thyroid hormones influence heart rate and rhythm, and imbalances can predispose individuals to atrial fibrillation.
D. Recent influenza infection: Infections, particularly respiratory infections such as influenza, can trigger episodes of atrial fibrillation in susceptible individuals. The inflammatory response and physiological stress associated with infections can disrupt normal heart rhythm and precipitate atrial fibrillation episodes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "The heart and the coronary arteries weaken, leading to poor perfusion and resulting in angina": This statement is inaccurate. While angina can result from poor perfusion to the heart muscle, it is not typically due to weakening of the heart and coronary arteries. Angina often occurs due to coronary artery narrowing or blockage, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the myocardium.
B. "Coronary arteries become more elastic causing the arteries to stretch as individuals age causing the heart not to receive enough oxygen": This statement is incorrect. Coronary arteries do not become more elastic with age; in fact, they tend to become less elastic due to the development of atherosclerosis, which leads to arterial stiffening and decreased compliance. Atherosclerosis can cause narrowing or occlusion of the coronary arteries, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
C. "Coronary arteries decrease in diameter leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle. Manifestations occur due to dilation of coronary arteries with increased blood flow causing increased pressure": This statement is partially incorrect. While it accurately describes the consequences of coronary artery narrowing (decrease in diameter) leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the heart muscle, the second part of the statement regarding dilation of coronary arteries with increased blood flow causing increased pressure is inaccurate. Coronary artery dilation is a compensatory response to increased demand for oxygen, aiming to improve blood flow to the myocardium. However, dilation alone does not increase pressure in the coronary arteries.
D. "Coronary arteries decrease in diameter leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle": This statement is accurate. Coronary artery disease (CAD) involves the progressive narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, which reduces blood flow to the myocardium. As the arteries narrow, there is insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle, leading to manifestations such as angina, myocardial ischemia, and potentially myocardial infarction.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
