Question

A client's electrocardiogram (ECG) strip shows atrial and ventricular rates of 70 complexes/min. The PR interval is 0.16 second, the QRS complex measures 0.06 second, and the PP interval is slightly irregular. How should the nurse interpret this rhythm?

A) Sinus rhythm with normal conduction
B) Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
C) First-degree heart block
D) Ventricular tachycardia

Answer 1

The ECG strip indicates a Sinus rhythm with normal conduction based on the normal PR interval and QRS complex, despite a slightly irregular PP interval that does not significantly affect atrial or ventricular rhythmicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ECG strip described presents an atrial and ventricular rate of 70 complexes per minute, a normal PR interval of 0.16 second, and a normal QRS complex measurement of 0.06 second, with a slightly irregular PP interval. According to these findings, the rhythm could be interpreted as a Sinus rhythm with normal conduction. This interpretation is based on the presence of a consistent heart rate, a PR interval within the normal range (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a QRS duration also within normal limits (0.06 to 0.10 seconds). The slightly irregular PP interval suggests some irregularity in atrial depolarization; however, the regularity of the ventricular response and the normal QRS complex suggest that the irregularity is minor and not indicative of atrial fibrillation, which typically presents with a completely irregular ventricular response and absence of distinct P waves. This rules out options B (Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response), C (First-degree heart block, which would have a prolonged PR interval), and D (Ventricular tachycardia, which has a wide and abnormal QRS complex).