The nurse who is working in the telemetry unit measures the PR interval of the client's rhythm strip depicted below. What is the nurse's analysis of the PR interval?

Atria is taking longer to depolarize and contract
Conduction time is slowed from the SA node to the ventricles
The PR interval is within the normal time limits
Ventricular repolarization is delayed
The Correct Answer is C
A. Atria is taking longer to depolarize and contract: This would be indicated by a prolonged or abnormal P wave, not a normal PR interval. The rhythm strip shows clearly visible, normal-appearing P waves followed by QRS complexes, ruling this out as the correct interpretation.
B. Conduction time is slowed from the SA node to the ventricles: A slowed conduction time would result in a PR interval longer than 0.20 seconds, characteristic of first-degree AV block. The PR interval on this strip measures within the standard range (0.12–0.20 seconds), so this is not accurate.
C. The PR interval is within the normal time limits: The PR interval on the ECG strip spans about 3 to 4 small boxes (0.12–0.16 seconds), which is within the normal range of 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. This indicates normal conduction from the atria through the AV node to the ventricles.
D. Ventricular repolarization is delayed: Delayed ventricular repolarization refers to a prolonged QT interval, not an abnormality in the PR interval. The PR interval evaluates atrial conduction, not ventricular repolarization, so this is an incorrect association.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Amiodarone: Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic that primarily works by blocking potassium channels, thereby prolonging repolarization and the action potential duration. It is used to manage various atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
B. Digoxin: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases myocardial contractility and slows conduction through the AV node. It does not affect potassium channels directly but rather works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
C. Verapamil: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker (Class IV antiarrhythmic) that slows conduction through the AV node and is used to treat supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and hypertension. It has no significant effect on potassium channels.
D. Carvedilol: Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker with some alpha-blocking effects. It reduces heart rate and blood pressure but does not block potassium channels or have antiarrhythmic properties in that classification.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "All patients with this disorder have a genetic defect which causes it.": Restrictive cardiomyopathy is not primarily a genetic disorder. While there may be rare familial forms, most cases are acquired, often secondary to systemic diseases, making this statement inaccurate and misleading.
B. "There are many theories about its development but amyloidosis in your history is a probable cause.": This is the most accurate response. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is commonly associated with infiltrative diseases such as amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and sarcoidosis, which impair ventricular filling due to stiff, non-compliant myocardium.
C. "You probably had a silent heart attack which caused this disorder.": Silent myocardial infarctions can contribute to ischemic cardiomyopathy, typically leading to dilated, not restrictive, changes in the myocardium. They are not a primary cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy.
D. "Your long-standing hypertension caused this disorder.": Chronic hypertension more commonly leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and may contribute to diastolic heart failure, but it is not a typical cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy.
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