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.
...
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.
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. 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 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.
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