Question

The nurse is reviewing the electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strip obtained on a client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The nurse notes that the PR interval is 0.20 second. The nurse should make which interpretation about this finding?

A) Normal PR interval
B) Prolonged PR interval
C) Shortened PR interval
D) Absent PR interval

Answer 1

The nurse should interpret a PR interval of 0.20 seconds as a prolonged PR interval, indicating a delay in the passage of the electrical impulse from the sinus node to the atrioventricular (AV) node.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should interpret a PR interval of 0.20 seconds as prolonged PR interval. The PR interval measures the duration from the beginning of atrial depolarization (the P wave) to the initiation of the QRS complex. A prolonged PR interval indicates a delay in the passage of the electrical impulse from the sinus node to the atrioventricular (AV) node.