Normal & Sinus Rhythms
This rhythm has a regular rate of 60–100 bpm, upright P waves, and consistent PR intervals.
This atrial rhythm is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no identifiable P waves.
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib)
This rhythm is immediately life-threatening and results in no cardiac output.
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)
(Vtach, Asystole, PEA)
This device delivers electrical impulses when the heart rate drops below a programmed setting.
Pacemaker
This type of heart failure primarily affects pulmonary circulation.
Left-sided heart failure
This lab marker is most specific for myocardial injury.
Troponin
This electrolyte imbalance produces tall, peaked T waves on ECG.
Hyperkalemia
This sinus rhythm is expected during exercise, pain, fever, or anxiety and has a rate >100 bpm.
Sinus Tachycardia
Postoperative cardiac surgery clients are at increased risk for this atrial dysrhythmia.
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib)
A wide-complex tachycardia with a pulse is most often identified as this rhythm.
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)
Following pacemaker insertion, which arm movement restriction is essential during early recovery?
Avoid lifting arm above shoulder
Weight gain, crackles, and orthopnea indicate worsening of this condition.
Heart failure
Chest pain unrelieved by rest or nitroglycerin suggests this diagnosis.
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Visual disturbances, nausea, and anorexia suggest toxicity from this medication.
Digoxin
This sinus rhythm may be normal in older adults or athletes and often requires medication review before intervention.
Sinus Bradycardia
The primary long-term complication nurses aim to prevent in atrial fibrillation is this.
Bleeding risk
Electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium, increase the risk for this ventricular rhythm.
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Airway protection is the priority assessment following this rhythm-correcting procedure.
Cardioversion
Dilated cardiomyopathy causes symptoms primarily due to this cardiac change.
Reduced contractility which decrease cardiac output (CO)
ST-segment elevation on ECG indicates this type of myocardial infarction.
STEMI
This anticoagulant, used in atrial fibrillation, requires INR monitoring and consistent dietary vitamin K intake.
Warfarin
A client with a slow sinus rhythm but stable blood pressure and oxygenation requires what initial nursing action?
Assess patient, ask about symptoms, assess medications
Before starting anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation, which safety priority must be addressed?
Make sure that the antidote is available
(i.e., Heparin- protamine sulfate)
The primary goal of CPR in a pulseless rhythm is this outcome.
Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
This medication is commonly used for ventricular dysrhythmias but requires monitoring for bradycardia and hypotension.
(Also used with A-fib with RVR)
Amiodarone
Why are diuretics used cautiously in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
After giving sublingual nitroglycerin, what two nursing reassessments are required before repeating the dose?
Pain & Blood Pressure
This medication must be immediately available when starting IV heparin therapy.
Protamine Sulfate
Which clinical finding helps distinguish a benign sinus rhythm from one requiring immediate intervention?
Hemodynamic stability
A client reports sudden palpitations and dizziness with a narrow-complex tachycardia. Which rhythm is suspected and what is the priority focus?
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
A client on telemetry suddenly loses consciousness and the monitor shows chaotic ventricular activity. What is the nurse’s first action and why?
Start CPR because there is no perfusion
A client receiving antiarrhythmic therapy develops a new slow rhythm. What nursing action demonstrates clinical judgment?
Slow the infusion and notify the provider.
DO NOT STOP the infusion abruptly
A client with cardiomyopathy has edema and abdominal bloating. Which assessment trend best evaluates treatment effectiveness?
Daily weights, Intake & Output
A post-CABG client has sudden decreased chest tube output and hypotension. Which complication is suspected and why?
Cardiac Tamponade which causes impaired filling
A client receiving thrombolytic therapy develops black, tarry stools. This finding indicates which complication?
Bleeding