Question

A patient with mitral valve stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) is in the telemetry unit with pneumonia. The nurse assesses a 6-second rhythm strip and determines that the ventricular rhythm is highly irregular at 88, with no discernible P waves. What does the nurse determine this rhythm to be?

a) Sinus tachycardia
b) Ventricular flutter
c) Atrial flutter
d) Nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia

Answer 1

The nurse would determine the rhythm to be atrial fibrillation based on the description provided. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular ventricular rhythm, typically with no discernible P waves and a heart rate of 88 bpm. Further evaluation and treatment may be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would determine the rhythm to be atrial fibrillation based on the description provided. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular ventricular rhythm, typically with no discernible P waves. The heart rate can be variable, and in this case, it is 88 beats per minute. Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that occurs when the atria of the heart contract in a disorganized and chaotic manner, leading to an irregular ventricular rhythm. It is associated with conditions such as mitral valve stenosis and coronary artery disease. In this case, the patient also has pneumonia, which may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of the atrial fibrillation.

The nurse should inform the healthcare provider about the findings and further evaluation and treatment may be necessary to manage the patient's atrial fibrillation.