Question

The nurse monitoring the cardiac monitor notes the absence of P waves and fibrillations before each QRS complex. How should the nurse classify this rhythm?

Answer 1

The nurse should classify this rhythm as a third-degree block, where there is no correlation between atrial and ventricular activity. The absence of P waves and fibrillations can lead to a decreased heart rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should classify this rhythm as a third-degree block. In this condition, there is no correlation between atrial activity (P waves) and ventricular activity (QRS complex). The absence of P waves and fibrillations before each QRS complex indicates that some of the impulses initiated by the SA node do not reach the AV node, while others do. As a result, there is a total lack of normal electrical activity. This condition can lead to a decreased heart rate or pulse.