Question

The nurse is reviewing an electrocardiogram rhythm strip. The P waves and QRS complexes are regular. The PR interval is 0.16 seconds, and QRS complexes measure 0.06 seconds. The overall heart rate is 64 beats/minute. Which action should the nurse take?

1. Check vital signs.
2.Check laboratory test results. 3.Notify the health care provider. 4.Continue to monitor for any rhythm change.

Answer 1

The ECG findings are within normal limits and the nurse should continue to monitor the patient for any changes in the rhythm. The PR interval, QRS duration, and heart rate are all within normal ranges, suggesting a stable cardiac condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse reviews an electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strip displaying regular P waves and QRS complexes, with a PR interval of 0.16 seconds, QRS complexes measuring 0.06 seconds, and an overall heart rate of 64 beats/minute, this indicates a normal cardiac rhythm. Given these findings, the most appropriate action for the nurse would be to continue to monitor for any rhythm change. This is standard practice as the ECG readings are within normal limits indicating there is no immediate cause for concern. However, continuous monitoring is essential for detecting possible future abnormalities in the heart rhythm.

The PR interval is clinically important because it represents the time taken for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. A normal PR interval ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, and a normal QRS duration is 0.06 to 0.10 seconds. This patient's PR interval and QRS duration both fall within normal ranges. Additionally, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, so a heart rate of 64 beats/minute is also considered normal.