Question

A client's electrocardiogram strip shows atrial and ventricular rates of 110 beats/minute. The PR interval is 0.14 seconds, the QRS complex measures 0.08 seconds, and the PP and RR intervals are regular. How should the nurse correctly interpret this rhythm?

1.Sinus tachycardia
2.Sinus bradycardia
3.Sinus dysrhythmia
4.Normal sinus rhythm

Answer 1

The ECG rhythm characterized by a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, a PR interval of 0.14 seconds, a QRS complex of 0.08 seconds, and regular PP and RR intervals is interpreted as sinus tachycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is about interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm based on specific readings. Given the atrial and ventricular rates of 110 beats per minute, a PR interval of 0.14 seconds, a QRS complex measuring 0.08 seconds, and regular PP and RR intervals, the correct interpretation of this ECG rhythm is sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is defined by having a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, originating from the sinus node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker.

The regular PR interval (which should be less than 0.20 seconds) indicates that the atrial depolarization is happening normally. The QRS duration, which is less than 0.12 seconds, suggests that the ventricular depolarization is also occurring properly without delay. The regularity of the PP and RR intervals further supports the sinus rhythm.