Question

Cardiac monitoring reveals a tachyarrhythmia. The patient is hemodynamically stable and has a regular heart rate ranging from 120 to 135 beats per minute. Which statements by the patient could the team interpret as contributing to the tachyarrhythmia?

"I've had a terrible cold with a horrible cough for the past week and today I developed a fever."
"I've been so anxious lately because I just lost my job."
"I had the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine over a week ago."
"I've been vomiting for the past 2 days from a gastrointestinal bug."

Answer 1

The statements by the patient that could contribute to the tachycardia include having a cold with fever and feeling anxious due to job loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tachycardia is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by a heart rate above 100 beats per minute. In the given scenario, the patient has a regular heart rate ranging from 120 to 135 beats per minute, indicating tachycardia. The statements by the patient that could contribute to the tachycardia include:

• "I've had a terrible cold with a horrible cough for the past week and today I developed a fever." Fever and respiratory infections can increase heart rate.
• "I've been so anxious lately because I just lost my job." Emotional stress and anxiety can also lead to an elevated heart rate.