Question

A nurse is checking the ECG rhythm strip for a client with a temporary pacemaker. The nurse notes a pacemaker artifact followed by a QRS complex. What action should the nurse take?

a. Document the finding as normal
b. Administer atropine as prescribed
c. Notify the healthcare provider
d. Increase the pacemaker rate

Answer 1

The nurse should document the finding as normal since the pacemaker artifact is an expected response from a temporary pacemaker.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the given information, the nurse is observing an abnormal electrical pattern called a pacemaker artifact, followed by a QRS complex. In a patient with a temporary pacemaker, the presence of a pacemaker artifact indicates that the pacemaker is delivering an electrical impulse to the heart. Therefore, this finding should be documented as normal. The nurse should not take any further action as this is an expected and desired response from the temporary pacemaker.