Question

The patient has a pacemaker set for 70 beats/minute. When taking the patient's pulse, you obtain a heart rate of 60 beats/minute. What is the best interpretation of this finding?

A. The patient's heart has become more effective.
B. The pacemaker is not working properly.
C. The patient is tolerating a lower heart rate now.
D. The pacemaker is sensing a ventricular rhythm.

Answer 1

The best interpretation is that the patient is tolerating a lower heart rate now.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best interpretation of the finding is that the patient is tolerating a lower heart rate now. A normal heart rate for an adult ranges from 60-100 beats per minute (bpm), with bradycardia defined as a resting rate below 60 bpm. In this case, the pacemaker is set for 70 bpm, so a heart rate of 60 bpm is within the normal range and indicates that the patient is tolerating a lower heart rate.