Question

The patient has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L, and the nurse obtains the following measurements on the rhythm strip: Heart rate of 86 with a regular rhythm, the P wave is 0.06 seconds (sec) and normal shape, the PR interval is 0.24 sec, and the QRS is 0.09 sec. How should the nurse document this rhythm?

A) First-degree AV block

B) Second-degree AV block

C) Premature atrial contraction (PAC)

D) Premature ventricular contraction (PVC)

Answer 1

The patient's rhythm with a PR interval of 0.24 seconds and consistent atrial-to-ventricular conduction should be documented as a First-degree AV block. This diagnosis is made due to the prolonged PR interval with a regular and consistent heart rhythm.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rhythm described by the student, with a heart rate of 86 and a regular rhythm, normal P wave shape, a PR interval of 0.24 seconds, and a QRS duration of 0.09 seconds, should be documented as a First-degree AV block. This classification is based on the presence of a prolonged PR interval, which is greater than the normal upper limit of 0.20 seconds but with each P wave followed by a QRS complex. In a first-degree AV block, atrial conduction is delayed before reaching the ventricles, but all electrical impulses still reach the ventricles. The other options such as Second-degree AV block, Premature atrial contraction (PAC), and Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) are ruled out by the regular rhythm and the fact that all P waves are followed by QRS complexes, indicating that the AV conduction is delayed but still consistently occurring with each beat.