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. Administer the dose later in the day when their nausea subsides: Delaying the dose does not address the underlying concern of potential digoxin toxicity. Symptoms like nausea and visual disturbances suggest toxicity and require immediate assessment rather than postponement.
B. Assess the client's apical rate: The first and most appropriate nursing action is to assess the apical heart rate for one full minute, as bradycardia is a key indicator of digoxin toxicity. If the rate is below 60 bpm, the dose should be held, and the provider should be notified.
C. Contact the physician for STAT serum potassium level: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, but while checking potassium is important, it is not the first step. Assessment of heart rate is more immediately critical in evaluating the need to hold the medication.
D. Administer the client's prescribed dose intravenously: Administering the dose especially IV when the client has symptoms of toxicity could worsen the situation. Digoxin should be held, not given, until further evaluation and provider notification.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Atria is taking longer to depolarize and contract: This would be indicated by a prolonged or abnormal P wave, not a normal PR interval. The rhythm strip shows clearly visible, normal-appearing P waves followed by QRS complexes, ruling this out as the correct interpretation.
B. Conduction time is slowed from the SA node to the ventricles: A slowed conduction time would result in a PR interval longer than 0.20 seconds, characteristic of first-degree AV block. The PR interval on this strip measures within the standard range (0.12–0.20 seconds), so this is not accurate.
C. The PR interval is within the normal time limits: The PR interval on the ECG strip spans about 3 to 4 small boxes (0.12–0.16 seconds), which is within the normal range of 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. This indicates normal conduction from the atria through the AV node to the ventricles.
D. Ventricular repolarization is delayed: Delayed ventricular repolarization refers to a prolonged QT interval, not an abnormality in the PR interval. The PR interval evaluates atrial conduction, not ventricular repolarization, so this is an incorrect association.
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