Question

The nurse notices that the patient has a first-degree AV block. Everything else about the rhythm is normal. The nurse should:

a. prepare to place the patient on a transcutaneous pacemaker.
b. give the patient atropine to shorten the PR interval.
c. monitor the rhythm and patient's condition.
d. give the patient an antiarrhythmic medication.

Answer 1

In cases of a first-degree AV block with no other abnormalities, monitoring the rhythm and patient's condition is the standard response, as this type of block is generally benign and does not require aggressive treatment unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse notices that a patient has a first-degree AV block, the appropriate response is generally to monitor the rhythm and patient's condition. Because everything else about the rhythm is normal, more aggressive interventions such as preparing a transcutaneous pacemaker, giving atropine, or antiarrhythmic medication are usually not needed. A first-degree AV block is characterized by an abnormally long PR interval but is typically a benign condition that doesn't require immediate intervention unless the patient exhibits signs of hemodynamic instability, which is not the case here.