How should the nurse identify the rhythm shown in the diagram?
ventricular tachycardia
asystole
normal sinus rhythm
ventricular fibrillation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Ventricular tachycardia: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is identified by a regular, fast rhythm with wide QRS complexes, typically without visible P waves. This rhythm often appears as consecutive, large, uniform waves, which is consistent with what is seen in the diagram.
B. Asystole: Asystole is characterized by a flat line, indicating no electrical activity, which is not present in this strip.
C. Normal sinus rhythm: Normal sinus rhythm would show identifiable P waves, a normal QRS complex, and a regular rate, which are not observed here.
D. Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation appears as chaotic, irregular waveforms with no clear QRS complexes or organization, which does not match the rhythm shown.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This would show a regular rhythm with a consistent rate (60-100 bpm) and clear P waves before each QRS complex, which is not present in asystole.
B. This indicates a slow heart rate (below 60 bpm) but would still display P waves and QRS complexes; asystole shows no electrical activity.
C. This is the correct interpretation as it represents a flatline on the ECG, indicating no electrical activity in the heart.
D. This would show a rapid heart rate (above 100 bpm) with present P waves, which is not the case in asystole.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a high HCO3- level; this does not match the provided values.
B. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and a low HCO3-, which does not match the findings.
C. The pH is high (7.45) while the Paco2 is low (30 mm Hg), indicating respiratory alkalosis. The low HCO3- could be a compensatory mechanism but does not change the primary interpretation of respiratory alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a high Paco2, which is not the case here.