Question

The nurse is caring for a client on a cardiac monitor. The monitor shows a rapid rhythm with a "saw tooth" configuration. What physical assessment findings does the nurse expect?

a. Presence of a split S1 and wheezing
b. Anorexia and gastric distress
c. Shortness of breath and anxiety
d. Hypertension and mental status changes

Answer 1

A client with a rapid rhythm and a "saw tooth" configuration on the cardiac monitor is likely experiencing atrial flutter. Physical assessment findings may include shortness of breath, anxiety, hypertension, and mental status changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rapid rhythm with a "saw tooth" configuration seen on the cardiac monitor is most likely atrial flutter. In atrial flutter, the atria contract rapidly and irregularly, leading to a saw-tooth pattern on the ECG. The saw-tooth P-waves represent rapid atrial depolarization.

The physical assessment findings that the nurse can expect in a client with atrial flutter include shortness of breath and anxiety. This is because atrial flutter reduces the efficiency of the heart's pumping function, leading to inadequate blood supply and oxygenation.

In addition, atrial flutter can also cause hemodynamic changes that may manifest as hypertension and mental status changes. These changes occur due to the blood pooling and decreased cardiac output that result from the rapid and irregular heartbeat.