A nurse is reviewing cardiac rhythms and heart blocks for a critical care course. The nurse is aware that which of the following describes first-degree heart block?
R-R is irregular
There are absent P waves
PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds in duration.
The PR interval gets longer then drops.
The Correct Answer is C
A. First-degree heart block has a regular R-R interval, meaning the rhythm is typically regular.
B. The presence of P waves is a distinguishing feature of first-degree heart block. Absent P waves are more characteristic of atrial fibrillation or junctional rhythms.
C. First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds, but all impulses are still conducted to the ventricles.
D. A progressively lengthening PR interval followed by a dropped QRS complex is indicative of second-degree Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) heart block, not first-degree heart block.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pruritus is not a common side effect of heparin therapy. While allergic reactions can occur, they are not the primary concern.
B. Petechiae are a sign of bleeding, which is a major side effect of heparin therapy. Heparin increases the risk of bleeding by inhibiting clot formation, and petechiae may indicate early signs of hemorrhage.
C. Confusion is not directly associated with heparin therapy unless it results from severe bleeding leading to hypoxia or shock.
D. A slowing pulse rate is not a known adverse effect of heparin. Instead, monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, and petechiae, is the priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Complete heart block (third-degree AV block) is characterized by a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity, with P waves and QRS complexes occurring independently of each other.
B. Sinus tachycardia presents with a regular rhythm, a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, and distinct P waves preceding each QRS complex.
C. Idioventricular rhythm occurs when the heart's primary pacemakers fail, leading to a slow ventricular rate (usually 20-40 bpm) with wide QRS complexes and no preceding P waves.
D. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by a rapid ventricular rate (typically >100 bpm), wide QRS complexes, and an absence of P waves. VT can be sustained or non-sustained and may require immediate intervention if the patient is unstable.
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