What is the most appropriate rhythm interpretation of this ECG?
Atrial fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia
Atrial flutter
The Correct Answer is C
Rhythm: Sinus, regular
Rate: 120 b/min
P wave: Present, normal
PR interval: Normal, 0.16 seconds
QRS: Narrow, 0.04 seconds
Rhythm interpretation: Sinus tachycardia
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rhythm: Absent
Rate: Absent
P wave: Discernible
PR interval: Absent
QRS: Absent
Rhythm interpretation: Asystole
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Epinephrine: Epinephrine is primarily used in cardiac arrest or severe anaphylaxis to stimulate the heart and increase perfusion. While it increases heart rate and blood pressure, it is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia in a patient who is still perfusing and has a palpable pulse.
B. Atropine: The patient is presenting with symptomatic bradycardia (heart rate 62 bpm, hypotension, pallor, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath). Atropine is the first-line therapy because it blocks vagal stimulation, increases sinoatrial node firing, and enhances AV conduction. It rapidly improves heart rate and perfusion in symptomatic bradycardia.
C. Adenosine: Adenosine is used to terminate supraventricular tachycardia by transiently blocking AV nodal conduction. It is contraindicated in bradycardia and would worsen the patient’s hypotension and symptoms, making it inappropriate.
D. Amiodarone: Amiodarone is used for ventricular arrhythmias or refractory tachyarrhythmias. It does not address bradycardia and could potentially exacerbate the slow heart rate, so it is not indicated for this patient’s presentation.
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