The nurse understands that sinus tachycardia differs from normal sinus rhythm because:

the heart rate is greater than 100 bpm in sinus tachycardia

more p waves are present than QRS complexes

the QRS complexes measure greater than 0.10

the rhythm is often irregular in sinus tachycardia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. the heart rate is greater than 100 bpm in sinus tachycardia: Normal Sinus Rhythm is characterized by a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Sinus tachycardia is defined as a sinus rhythm with a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. The rhythm remains regular, with each P wave followed by a QRS complex, but the rate is significantly faster than normal sinus rhythm.

B. more p waves are present than QRS complexes: In sinus tachycardia, the number of P waves and QRS complexes remains one-to-one, as each atrial impulse continues to be conducted to the ventricles. More P waves than QRS complexes typically suggest atrial flutter or other forms of AV dissociation.

C. the QRS complexes measure greater than 0.10: A widened QRS complex suggests a bundle branch block or ventricular rhythm, not sinus tachycardia. In sinus tachycardia, QRS complexes typically remain narrow, measuring less than 0.10 seconds unless an intraventricular conduction delay is present.

D. the rhythm is often irregular in sinus tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is usually a regular rhythm with consistent R-R intervals. An irregular rhythm is more indicative of atrial fibrillation or sinus arrhythmia, not a defining characteristic of sinus tachycardia.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Blood pressure reading of 120/80: While a normal blood pressure is desirable, this value alone does not indicate improvement in fluid overload or pulmonary symptoms. It may remain normal even if respiratory status worsens or fails to improve.

B. Urine output 30 mL for one hour: Although urine output is an important measure of diuretic effectiveness, 30 mL/hr is the minimum acceptable rate, not necessarily a strong indicator of clinical improvement. More robust diuresis may be expected following IV furosemide.

C. Serum sodium level is 135 mEq/L (135–145): A normal sodium level reflects stable electrolyte status but does not directly indicate improvement in pulmonary congestion or dyspnea. Sodium may be affected by many factors unrelated to heart failure symptom relief.

D. Respiratory rate 16 per minute: A decrease in respiratory rate from 26 to 16 suggests improved oxygenation, reduced pulmonary congestion, and decreased work of breathing. It is the most direct and clinically relevant indicator of symptomatic improvement in this context.

A. Pulmonic B. Aortic C. Tricuspid D. Mitral

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Pulmonic: The pulmonic valve is best auscultated at the second left intercostal space along the left sternal border. A murmur heard in this location is most likely associated with pulmonic valve abnormalities such as pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary regurgitation.

B. Aortic: The aortic valve is auscultated at the second right intercostal space at the right sternal border. A murmur at this site may indicate aortic stenosis or regurgitation, but not when heard on the left side as in this scenario.

C. Tricuspid: Tricuspid valve murmurs are typically heard best at the lower left sternal border, around the fourth or fifth intercostal space. This location is more inferior than where the nurse auscultated the murmur in the current assessment.

D. Mitral: The mitral valve is best heard at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line (the cardiac apex). Murmurs related to mitral stenosis or regurgitation would not typically be heard at the second intercostal space near the sternum.

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The nurse understands that sinus tachycardia differs from normal sinus rhythm because:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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