Question

The patient has an irregular heart rhythm. To determine an accurate heart rate, the nurse first:

a. identifies the markers on the ECG paper that indicate a 6-second strip.
b. counts the number of large boxes between two consecutive P waves.
c. counts the number of small boxes between two consecutive QRS complexes.
d. divides the number of complexes in a 6-second strip by 10.

Answer 1

To determine an accurate heart rate from an ECG, the nurse should identify the 6-second markers on the ECG paper and count the number of cardiac cycles within that period; the number is then multiplied by 10 to calculate beats per minute.

Step-by-step explanation:

To accurately determine a patient's heart rate who has an irregular heart rhythm, a nurse would utilize an electrocardiogram (ECG) or EKG and a 6-second strip. It is essential to identify the markers on the ECG paper that denote a 6-second interval. By counting how many cardiac cycles appear within this time frame, the nurse can then multiply this number by 10 to get the beats per minute (heart rate).

An increase in the frequency between the QRS complexes implies a high heart rate or tachycardia. The ECG can show various abnormalities, such as a second or third-degree block or atrial fibrillation, each affecting the heart rate differently. Careful analysis of the ECG can provide essential insights into heart function, making it a fundamental diagnostic tool in health care.