Question

The nurse is working on the night shift when she notices sinus bradycardia on the patient's cardiac monitor. The nurse should:

a. give atropine to increase heart rate.
b. begin transcutaneous pacing of the patient.
c. start a dopamine infusion to stimulate heart function.
d. assess for hemodynamic instability.

Answer 1

The nurse's initial action upon noticing sinus bradycardia on a cardiac monitor should be to assess the patient for hemodynamic instability. Treatments such as atropine, pacing, or dopamine infusion are considered based on the stability assessment and patient symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse notices sinus bradycardia on a patient's cardiac monitor, the initial step should be to assess for hemodynamic instability. This includes checking the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and level of consciousness. Sinus bradycardia can be a variant of normal heart rhythm in well-trained athletes or it can indicate a potential problem, such as hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, or excessive vagal tone due to myocardial infarction. If the bradycardia is symptomatic and causing hemodynamic instability, treatments may include medications like atropine, pacing, or dopamine infusion based on the critical assessment and protocols. However, assessing for stability is the key first step before proceeding with further interventions.