Question

A patient has developed a third-degree atrioventricular block. Which of the following rates would be indicative of a ventricular escape rhythm?

1) 20 to 40 beats/min
2) 40 to 60 beats/min
3) 60 to 80 beats/min
4) 80 to 100 beats/min

Answer 1

A ventricular escape rhythm occurs in a third-degree atrioventricular block, where there is no correlation between atrial activity and ventricular activity. The AV node takes over as the pacemaker and fires at a rate of approximately 40-60 beats per minute.

Step-by-step explanation:

A ventricular escape rhythm is a condition in which the ventricles take over as the primary pacemaker when the normal electrical conduction pathway is blocked. In a third-degree atrioventricular block, there is no correlation between atrial activity and ventricular activity. The AV node assumes the role of pacemaker, firing at a rate of approximately 40-60 contractions per minute. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2) 40 to 60 beats/min.