Introduction to Dysrhythmias Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes dysrhythmias?

Disorders that only affect blood pressure

Disorders that only affect the pumping action of the heart

Disorders of the conduction of the electrical impulse within the heart (correct)

Disorders of the formation of the electrical impulse within the heart

How are dysrhythmias diagnosed?

By analyzing the metabolic needs

By analyzing the electrocardiographic (ECG) waveform (correct)

By analyzing the heart rhythm

By analyzing the blood pressure

What is a possible cause of sinus bradycardia?

Increased heart rate

Athletic training (correct)

Hyperthyroidism

Decreased intracranial pressure

Which medication can cause sinus bradycardia?

Calcium channel blockers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main site of origin of the electrical impulse in sinus bradycardia?

SA node Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with increased intracranial pressure?

Sinus bradycardia Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment of choice for sinus tachycardia if vagal maneuvers and adenosine are unsuccessful or not feasible?

Synchronized cardioversion Signup and view all the answers

In cases of persistent inappropriate sinus tachycardia unresponsive to other treatments, what treatment may be used?

Catheter ablation of the SA node Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual rate range for ventricular and atrial rate in adult sinus arrhythmia?

60 to 100 bpm Signup and view all the answers

What is the ventricular and atrial rhythm in sinus arrhythmia?

Irregular Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic QRS shape and duration in sinus arrhythmia?

Usually normal Signup and view all the answers

What is the PR interval range in sinus arrhythmia?

0.12 - 0.20 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the P:QRS ratio in sinus arrhythmia?

1:1 Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is sinus arrhythmia typically treated?

It is not typically treated Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the approaches involved in the treatment for POTS?

Increase fluid and sodium intake Signup and view all the answers

If synchronized cardioversion is unsuccessful, which treatment may be considered for sinus tachycardia?

Catheter ablation of the SA node Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual ventricular and atrial rate range for sinus bradycardia in adults?

Less than 60 bpm Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of sinus bradycardia?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic QRS shape and duration in sinus bradycardia?

Regular QRS, normal duration Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic PR interval range in sinus bradycardia?

0.12-0.20 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual ventricular and atrial rate range for sinus tachycardia in adults?

>100 bpm, <120 bpm Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of sinus tachycardia?

Enhanced automaticity of the SA node Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic QRS shape and duration in sinus tachycardia?

Regular QRS, normal duration Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic PR interval range in sinus tachycardia?

<0.20 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bradycardia, specifically sinus bradycardia, can be caused by hypoxemia, acute altered mental status, and acute decompensated heart failure.
Sinus bradycardia has a slow ventricular and atrial rate (less than 60 bpm), regular QRS shape and duration, a normal P wave shape in front of the QRS, and a consistent PR interval between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds. All characteristics are the same as normal sinus rhythm, except for the rate.
If bradycardia is caused by vagal nerve stimulation or medication, attempts are made to prevent further stimulation or withhold the medication. Treatment is directed toward increasing heart rate if it causes significant hemodynamic changes, such as shortness of breath, altered mental status, angina, hypotension, ST-segment changes, or PVCs.
Risk factors for sinus node dysfunction include increased body mass index, presence of right and left bundle branch block, history of major cardiovascular events, increased age, and hypertension.
Tachy-brady syndrome is a condition where bradycardia alternates with tachycardia.
Medical management for bradycardia depends on the cause and symptoms. Resolving causative factors may be the only treatment needed. If bradycardia causes clinical instability or is unresponsive to atropine, emergency transcutaneous pacing or medications like dopamine, isoproterenol, or epinephrine may be used.
Sinus tachycardia occurs when the sinus node creates an impulse at a faster-than-normal rate. Causes include physiologic or psychological stress, medications, enhanced automaticity of the SA node, and autonomic dysfunction.
Sinus tachycardia has a greater than 100 bpm ventricular and atrial rate (usually less than 120 bpm), regular QRS shape and duration, a normal P wave shape in front of the QRS, and a consistent PR interval between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds. Sinus tachycardia is nonparoxysmal and can result in reduced cardiac output, syncope, and acute pulmonary edema if the rapid rate persists and the heart cannot compensate for decreased ventricular filling.
Medical management for sinus tachycardia is determined by the severity of symptoms and aimed at identifying and abolishing its cause. Vagal maneuvers, such as carotid sinus massage, gagging, bearing down against a closed glottis, forceful and sustained coughing, and applying a cold stimulus to the face, or administration of adenosine can be considered to interrupt the tachycardia. If the tachycardia is persistent and causing hemodynamic instability, synchronized cardioversion may be used.

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Description

Test your knowledge of dysrhythmias, which are disorders of the formation, conduction, or both the formation and conduction of the electrical impulse within the heart. This quiz covers the causes, effects, and characteristics of dysrhythmias.