The nurse is reading a cardiac monitor of a patient and observes a regular rhythm, and the P waves have a sawtooth pattern. The nurse recognizes this as which arrhythmia?
Atrial flutter
Ventricular tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation
Sinus tachycardia
The Correct Answer is A
A. Atrial flutter is characterized by a regular rhythm with rapid atrial contractions (flutter waves) that have a sawtooth appearance on the ECG tracing.
B. Ventricular tachycardia typically presents with a wide QRS complex and is often associated with hemodynamic instability.
C. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves and irregular ventricular response.
D. Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute originating from the sinus node.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F"]
Explanation
A. Increased premature ventricular contractions along with symptoms of anxiety and shortness of breath may indicate worsening cardiac function or an acute cardiac event, necessitating immediate medical attention.
B. Oxygen therapy may help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath and improve oxygenation in patients experiencing cardiac symptoms.
C. These diagnostic tests can provide valuable information about cardiac function and any potential myocardial damage or ischemia, helping guide further treatment and management.
D. The modified Trendelenburg position may increase cardiac workload, which is not beneficial in the case of PVCs.
E. The patient should not be left alone due to the need for ongoing assessment and potential rapid intervention. Furthermore, leaving them alone could worsen their anxiety.
F. Elevating the head of the bed can aid in breathing and comfort, reducing the sensation of breathlessness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response requires attention, it is not an immediate concern unless associated with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or hemodynamic instability.
B. A heart rate of 50 in a patient with a newly inserted permanent pacemaker may indicate bradycardia, which could be a sign of pacemaker malfunction or lead dislodgement. This patient requires immediate assessment to rule out complications.
C. While recent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) discharge warrants evaluation, the patient is currently in normal sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 68, suggesting stability. This patient's assessment can be prioritized after the patient with the pacemaker issue is seen.
D. A heart rate of 58 in a patient with chronic atrial fibrillation on beta-blocker therapy may not be immediately concerning if the patient is asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. This patient can be assessed after addressing the more urgent pacemaker issue.
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