Final answer:
External transcutaneous pacing is indicated for patients experiencing significant bradycardia or heart block, and it is particularly useful as an emergency measure or when awaiting a permanent pacemaker insertion. Symptoms prompting pacing can include dizziness, fatigue, and syncope.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which patient would you consider administering external (transcutaneous) pacing? When considering the administration of external pacing, it is important to identify patients who are experiencing a significant bradycardia (slow heart rate), or certain types of heart block, where the electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart are impaired. External pacing may be used as a temporary emergency measure or when immediate pacing is necessary to stabilize a patient until a permanent pacemaker can be placed. For example, in a scenario where a patient has a junctional rhythm, which originates in the atrioventricular (AV) node, and is unable to maintain an adequate heart rate, external pacing could be necessary to ensure that the heart continues to contract and pump blood effectively. These patients may present with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or even syncope (fainting) due to inadequate cardiac output.