Question

The home health nurse is visiting a client discharged 2 days ago after a coronary artery bypass graft. The client reports fatigue and palpitations, and the nurse connects the client to a portable heart monitor. The nurse recognizes the displayed rhythm as which type?

a. Atrial fibrillation
b. Atrial flutter
c. Complete heart block
d. 2nd degree atrioventricular block, type 2

Answer 1

The displayed rhythm on the heart monitor indicates a third-degree block, where there is no correlation between atrial activity and ventricular activity. The nurse should assess the client's symptoms and provide appropriate care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The displayed rhythm on the heart monitor indicates a third-degree block. In this type of block, there is no correlation between atrial activity (P wave) and ventricular activity (QRS complex). Even with a total SA block, the AV node can initiate contractions at 40-60 contractions per minute. This rhythm can be seen on an ECG, and it is important for the nurse to recognize and assess the client's symptoms to provide appropriate care.