A nurse is reviewing cardiac rhythms and heart blocks for a critical care course. The nurse is aware that which of the following describes first-degree heart block?
R-R is irregular
There are absent P waves
PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds in duration.
The PR interval gets longer then drops.
The Correct Answer is C
A. First-degree heart block has a regular R-R interval, meaning the rhythm is typically regular.
B. The presence of P waves is a distinguishing feature of first-degree heart block. Absent P waves are more characteristic of atrial fibrillation or junctional rhythms.
C. First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds, but all impulses are still conducted to the ventricles.
D. A progressively lengthening PR interval followed by a dropped QRS complex is indicative of second-degree Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) heart block, not first-degree heart block.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves on the ECG. Instead, there are fibrillatory waves due to chaotic atrial activity, and the ventricular rate may be rapid or controlled.
B. Junctional rhythm originates from the AV node and is typically characterized by absent or inverted P waves, a narrow QRS complex, and a regular rhythm.
C. First-degree heart block presents with a prolonged PR interval (>0.20 seconds) but has a regular rhythm and identifiable P waves preceding each QRS complex.
D. Sinus tachycardia is a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, with distinct P waves before each QRS complex.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Salt substitutes often contain potassium and should be avoided in hyperkalemia.
B. While assessing other electrolytes may be useful, the immediate concern is evaluating the effects of hyperkalemia on cardiac function.
C. Citrus fruits and bananas are high in potassium and should be avoided when potassium levels are elevated.
D. A 12-lead ECG is essential to assess for cardiac dysrhythmias, as hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening arrhythmias such as peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes.
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