Free NCLEX Practice Questions.
Take Practice Question # 423.
Nclex Practice Questions.
Sinus bradycardia
Description
- Atrial and ventricular rhythms are regular.
- Atrial and ventricular rates are less than 60 beats/min.
- PR interval and QRS width are within normal limits.
- Treatment may be necessary if the client is symptomatic (signs of decreased cardiac output).
- Note that a low heart rate may be normal for some individuals.
Interventions
- Attempt to determine the cause of sinus bradycardia; if a medication is suspected of causing the bradycardia, withhold the medication and notify the physician.
- Administer oxygen as prescribed.
- Administer atropine sulfate as prescribed to increase the heart rate to 60 beats/min.
- Be prepared to apply a noninvasive (transcutaneous) pacemaker initially as prescribed if the atropine sulfate does not increase the heart rate sufficiently.
- Avoid additional doses of atropine sulfate because this will induce tachycardia.
- Monitor for hypotension and administer fluids intravenously as prescribed.
- Depending on the cause of the bradycardia, the client may need a permanent pacemaker.
Sinus tachycardia
Description
- Atrial and ventricular rates are 100 to 180
- Atrial and ventricular rhythms are regular.
- PR interval and QRS width are within normal limits.
Interventions
- Identify the cause of the tachycardia.
- Decrease the heart rate to normal by treating the underlying cause.
