Question

The nurse has obtained this 6-sec rhythm strip from her patient's monitor: Visible normal P waves, normal PR interval, 13 consistent QRS complexes. What should the nurse document this rhythm indicates?

A) Sinus tachycardia

B) Sinus bradycardia

C) Ventricular fibrillation

D) Ventricular tachycardia

Answer 1

The nurse should document that this rhythm indicates sinus tachycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should document that this rhythm indicates sinus tachycardia. In sinus tachycardia, the heart rate is faster than normal, usually greater than 100 beats per minute. The presence of visible normal P waves and a normal PR interval suggest that the rhythm originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is responsible for generating the electrical signals that regulate the heart's rhythm. Since there are 13 consistent QRS complexes, it indicates that the heart is beating at a rapid rate.