A client’s cardiac status is being observed by telemetry
monitoring. The nurse observes a P wave that changes shape in
lead II. What conclusion does the nurse make about the P wave?
It originates from an ectopic focus.
If the P wave is firing consistently from the SA node, the P wave
will have a consistent shape in a given lead. If the impulse is
from an ectopic focus, then the P wave will vary in shape in that
lead.
The nurse is assessing the client’s electrocardiography
(ECG). What does the P wave on the ECG tracing represent?
Depolarization of the atria
The ECG tracing of a P wave represents electrical changes caused by
atrial depolarization.
A nurse notes that the PR interval on a client’s
electrocardiograph (ECG) tracing is 0.14 second. What action
does the nurse take?
Document the finding in the client’s chart.
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The PR interval normally ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 second. This
is a normal finding, so the nurse simply documents this. No
further action is required
.
When analyzing a client’s electrocardiograph (ECG) tracing,
the nurse observes that not all QRS complexes are
preceded by a P wave. What is the nurse’s interpretation of
this observation?
Ventricular and atrial depolarizations are initiated from different sites.
Normal rhythm shows one P wave preceding each QRS,
indicating that all depolarization is initiated at the sinoatrial
node. QRS complexes without a P wave indicate a different
source of initiation of depolarization.
The nurse observes a prominent U wave on the client’s
electrocardiograph (ECG) tracing. What is the most appropriate
action for the nurse to take?
Review the client’s daily electrolyte results.
Prominent U waves may be the result of hypokalemia. The
nurse should review the client’s daily electrolyte results.
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Although documentation is important, this is not a normal
variant. Moving the crash cart closer to the room may or may
not be warranted. The client does not need an immediate ECG.
The client’s heart rate increases slightly during inspiration and
decreases slightly during expiration. What action does the
nurse take?
Document the finding in the chart.
Sinus dysrhythmia is noted when the heart rate increases
slightly during inspiration and decreases slightly during
expiration. Sinus dysrhythmia is a variant of normal sinus
rhythm that is frequently observed in healthy children and
adults. No other actions are needed.
A client with tachycardia is experiencing clinical
manifestations. Which manifestation requires immediate
intervention by the nurse?
Mid-sternal chest pain
Chest pain, possibly angina, indicates that tachycardia may be
increasing the client’s myocardial workload and oxygen
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demand to such an extent that normal oxygen delivery cannot
keep pace. This results in myocardial hypoxia and pain.
A client is experiencing sinus bradycardia with hypotension and
dizziness. What medication does the nurse administer?
Atropine (Atropine)
Atropine is a cholinergic antagonist that inhibits
parasympathetically-induced hyperpolarization of the sinoatrial
node. This inhibition results in an increased heart rate. The
other medications are not appropriate.