The nurse is reading a cardiac monitor of a patient and observes a regular rhythm, and the P waves have a sawtooth pattern. The nurse recognizes this as which arrhythmia?
Atrial flutter
Ventricular tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation
Sinus tachycardia
The Correct Answer is A
A. Atrial flutter is characterized by a regular rhythm with rapid atrial contractions (flutter waves) that have a sawtooth appearance on the ECG tracing.
B. Ventricular tachycardia typically presents with a wide QRS complex and is often associated with hemodynamic instability.
C. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves and irregular ventricular response.
D. Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute originating from the sinus node.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Using a systematic method for analyzing ECG tracings helps ensure that abnormalities are not overlooked, promoting accurate interpretation and diagnosis. This approach reduces the risk of diagnostic errors and ensures thorough assessment of cardiac rhythm and conduction abnormalities.
B. While using a systematic method may aid memory, its primary purpose is to ensure thoroughness and accuracy in ECG interpretation, rather than solely enhancing memory retention.
C. Indeed, using a systematic method establishes a routine for analyzing ECG tracings, aiding in consistent and comprehensive assessment, which is crucial for detecting subtle changes and abnormalities.
D. While using a systematic method may ultimately save time by preventing errors and ensuring efficiency, its primary purpose is accuracy rather than speed. The focus is on comprehensive analysis rather than expediency.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid, irregular electrical impulses originating from the atria, resulting in a quivering or fibrillating motion of the atria rather than a coordinated contraction.
B. Asystole is the absence of any electrical activity on the cardiac monitor, resulting in a flat line. It indicates the absence of ventricular contraction and is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention (CPR and advanced cardiac life support).
C. Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by chaotic, disorganized electrical activity in the ventricles, resulting in ineffective quivering of the ventricles and loss of cardiac output.
D. Atrial flutter is characterized by rapid but regular electrical impulses originating from the atria, resulting in a sawtooth pattern on the ECG tracing.
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