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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. An INR of 2 is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation but is more relevant for warfarin therapy rather than heparin.
B. An aPTT of 80 seconds is slightly elevated but not immediately life-threatening. The therapeutic range for heparin is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value (approximately 60-80 seconds).
C. Sudden weakness of one arm and leg suggests a possible embolic stroke, which is a serious complication of atrial fibrillation. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. An irregular heart rate without P waves is characteristic of atrial fibrillation but is not the most urgent concern compared to potential stroke symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A prolonged PR interval can be seen in hyperkalemia but is not as characteristic as peaked T waves.
B. A U wave is typically seen in hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
C. Peaked T waves are a hallmark ECG finding in hyperkalemia and occur due to increased repolarization speed.
D. ST segment elevation is more commonly associated with myocardial infarction rather than hyperkalemia.
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