You note the cardiac electrical rhythm below (see 6-second EKG strip). Which of the following would BEST describe the client's rhythm?
Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus Tachycardia
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Sinus Bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate below 60 beats per minute, which is clearly not the case in this EKG strip. The observed rate of 150 bpm is well above the bradycardic range.
B. Sinus Tachycardia: Although this is a fast rhythm (over 100 bpm), sinus tachycardia typically has visible and upright P waves preceding each QRS complex. In this strip, the P waves are not clearly visible, suggesting a non-sinus origin.
C. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): SVT is a rapid, regular rhythm originating above the ventricles, often with no clearly identifiable P waves and narrow QRS complexes. The rate appears very fast and regular—typical of SVT.
D. Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR): Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by a regular heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, with normal P waves preceding each QRS. The heart rate of 150 bpm in the given strip falls outside the normal range for NSR.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Asystole: Asystole is defined as the complete absence of electrical and mechanical cardiac activity. The EKG strip displays a flatline, indicating no ventricular depolarization or contraction, which is the hallmark of asystole. This rhythm is a non-shockable cardiac arrest rhythm.
B. Sinus Tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 bpm, characterized by clear P waves and QRS complexes. This is clearly not present in the given flatline strip.
C. Sinus Bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is a regular rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 bpm, characterized by clear P waves and QRS complexes.
D. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): SVT is a rapid rhythm, typically 150-250 bpm, with narrow QRS complexes and often obscured P waves.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): SVT is a rapid rhythm, typically 150-250 bpm, where P waves are often absent, abnormal, or hidden. The rate in this strip is 70 bpm, and clear P waves are present.
B. Sinus Bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate below 60 beats per minute. The heart rate in this strip is 70 bpm, which is not bradycardic.
C. Sinus Tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. The heart rate in this strip is 70 bpm, which is not tachycardic.
D. Normal Sinus Rhythm: The EKG strip demonstrates a regular rhythm with a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, and a normal P wave preceding every QRS complex, all consistent with the criteria for Normal Sinus Rhythm.
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