The nurse understands that sinus tachycardia differs from normal sinus rhythm because:
the heart rate is greater than 100 bpm in sinus tachycardia
more p waves are present than QRS complexes
the QRS complexes measure greater than 0.10
the rhythm is often irregular in sinus tachycardia
The Correct Answer is A
A. the heart rate is greater than 100 bpm in sinus tachycardia: Normal Sinus Rhythm is characterized by a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Sinus tachycardia is defined as a sinus rhythm with a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. The rhythm remains regular, with each P wave followed by a QRS complex, but the rate is significantly faster than normal sinus rhythm.
B. more p waves are present than QRS complexes: In sinus tachycardia, the number of P waves and QRS complexes remains one-to-one, as each atrial impulse continues to be conducted to the ventricles. More P waves than QRS complexes typically suggest atrial flutter or other forms of AV dissociation.
C. the QRS complexes measure greater than 0.10: A widened QRS complex suggests a bundle branch block or ventricular rhythm, not sinus tachycardia. In sinus tachycardia, QRS complexes typically remain narrow, measuring less than 0.10 seconds unless an intraventricular conduction delay is present.
D. the rhythm is often irregular in sinus tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is usually a regular rhythm with consistent R-R intervals. An irregular rhythm is more indicative of atrial fibrillation or sinus arrhythmia, not a defining characteristic of sinus tachycardia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Run of premature ventricular beats: While adenosine can occasionally provoke brief ventricular ectopy, this is not its primary or most expected effect. Premature ventricular contractions may occur transiently but are not the hallmark response to this medication.
B. Short period of asystole: Adenosine briefly blocks AV node conduction and can interrupt re-entry pathways, often resulting in a short period of asystole lasting a few seconds. This is an expected effect and reflects the drug’s mechanism in terminating supraventricular tachycardia by interrupting the reentrant pathway.
C. Brief seizure episode: Adenosine does not typically cause seizures. It acts primarily on cardiac tissue and has no significant pro-convulsant effects. A seizure would be an atypical and concerning adverse reaction rather than an expected response.
D. Dramatic increase in blood pressure: Adenosine causes transient vasodilation and may lead to a brief drop in blood pressure or flushing. A dramatic increase in blood pressure would not be expected and could suggest an alternate diagnosis or drug reaction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Breast cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiation: While cancer and its treatments can suppress the immune system, they are not direct causes of infectious endocarditis. The condition is more closely related to bacteremia and structural heart damage.
B. Periodontal disease and gum surgery three months ago: Periodontal disease involves chronic bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, this transient bacteremia can lead to infectious endocarditis. Oral infections and invasive dental procedures can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, particularly streptococci, which can colonize damaged heart valves and cause infectious endocarditis.
C. Type II diabetic for ten years: Diabetes increases the risk of infection generally, but it is not a specific cause of endocarditis. Without a portal of entry or bacteremia, the condition alone is not strongly associated with endocarditis.
D. Myocardial infarction one year ago: A prior MI may result in reduced cardiac function but does not directly lead to infectious endocarditis unless it has resulted in damaged valves or introduced infection, which is not indicated here.
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