Question

The nurse is analyzing the electrocardiogram (ECG) strip of a stable patient admitted to the telemetry unit. The patient's ECG strip demonstrates PR intervals that measure 0.24 seconds. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate action?

a) Instruct the patient to bear down as if having a bowel movement.
b) Document the findings and continue to monitor the patient.
c) Notify the patient's primary care provider of the findings.
d) Apply oxygen via nasal cannula and obtain a 12-lead ECG.

Answer 1

The nurse should document the findings of the slightly prolonged PR interval and continue to monitor the stable patient for any ECG changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon analyzing the electrocardiogram (ECG) strip of a stable patient in the telemetry unit with PR intervals measuring 0.24 seconds, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to document the findings and continue to monitor the patient. A PR interval that measures 0.24 seconds is slightly longer than the normal range (0.12-0.20 seconds) and may indicate first-degree heart block, but in a stable patient, it may not require immediate intervention. However, continued monitoring is essential to watch for any changes in the ECG that could signify worsening conduction delays or other cardiac issues.