Final answer:
The priority nursing assessment for a 58-year-old female admitted with a new onset of an abnormal heart rhythm would be to assess her pulse rate. If the frequency between the QRS complexes has increased, it suggests that the heart rate has become faster (tachycardia), which may lead to complications. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the patient's heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing assessment for a 58-year-old female admitted with a new onset of an abnormal heart rhythm would be to assess her pulse rate.
Based on the provided information, the abnormal rhythm indicates that the heart rate may have increased. Heart rate is measured by counting the number of heartbeats in a minute, expressed as beats per minute (bpm).
If the frequency between the QRS complexes has increased, it suggests that the heart rate has become faster (tachycardia). Tachycardia can lead to complications such as palpitations, lightheadedness, and chest pain. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the patient's heart rate to determine if any immediate interventions are required.
1