Question

A 15-year-old patient is being evaluated during a follow-up visit after being diagnosed with Lyme disease 2 months ago. A rhythm strip is obtained as shown below. The provider interprets this rhythm as indicating which arrhythmia?

A. Select the correct answer to this question.
B. Second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, type I
C. Second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, type II
D. First-degree atrioventricular (AV) block
E. Third-degree (complete) atrioventricular (AV) block

Answer 1

The rhythm strip indicates a third-degree (complete) atrioventricular (AV) block where there is no correlation between atrial activity (the P wave) and ventricular activity (the QRS complex). The option (E) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rhythm strip indicates a third-degree (complete) atrioventricular (AV) block. In a third-degree block, there is no correlation between atrial activity (the P wave) and ventricular activity (the QRS complex), which is evident in the ECG image provided.

In this case, the P waves are not followed by the QRS complex. This type of block can lead to a significantly reduced heart rate and may require medical intervention. Therefore, option (E) is correct.