Atrial Arrhythmias Flashcards
Characteristics of sinus tachycardia:
Rate = > 100 bpm - 160/170 bpm
P waves = present but sometimes hard to see - must be able to see
PR interval = present and not more than 3 small square (0.12 secs)
PR ratio = 1:1
QRS complex = normal
Characteristics of sinus rhythm:
P wave = 0.08 secs (2 small squares) PR interval = 0.12-2 secs(3-5 small squares) Q wave = <0.04 (1 small square) T wave = 0.16 secs (4 small squares) QT = 0.32-4 secs (8-10 small squares)
Characteristics of sinus arrhythmia:
Rhythm = regularly irregular (fast + slow, fast +slow ect) Rate = 60-100 bpm P waves = normal PR interval = normal QRS = normal
Characteristics of sinus arrest:
Rhythm = irregular when arrest present Rate = 60-100 bpm P waves = normal PR interval = normal QRS = normal
Characteristics of sinus exit block:
Rhythm = irregular when block present Rate = 60-100 bpm P waves = normal PR interval = normal QRS = normal Beat comes in late with no P wave (P wave skipped) Junctional beat
Characteristics of sinus bradycardia:
Rate = <60 bpm Rhythm = regular P waves = normal PR interval = 0.12-0.2 secs QRS = 0.06-0.12 secs
Atrial arrhythmias are …
Not life threatening
What are classed as regular rhythms?
Sinus rhythm
1st degree AV block
Sinus tachycardia
Atrial tachycardia
What is classed as regularly irregular rhythm?
Sinus arrhythmias
What are classed as irregular rhythms?
Atrial fibrillation
Premature contractions
Ectopics
What is the biological cause of sinus arrhythmias?
Reflex stimulation of the vagal nerve by the lung acuses oscillations in the SA node discharge
What is the biological cause of a wandering pacemaker?
Atrial rhythm with a wandering pacemaker focus
Characteristics of wandering pacemaker:
Rhythm = irregular
P waves = abnormal, often slurred
PR interval = irregular
QRS and rate = normal
What can occur when giving digoxin?
Wandering pacemaker
What is the biological cause of sinus arrest?
The SA node forgets to fire, leading to no compensatory beat, just a missed beat
What is a junctional beat?
No P wave before a beat
The beat skips the SA node to the AV node
What is the causes of sinus bradycardia?
Vagal stimulation Suction Press in the groin to stop femoral artery bleed Hypothermia Intense exercise Sleeping Beta blockers
What is the treatment for sinus bradycardia?
Give atropine to speed up heart rate and give fluids if prescribed
What is important to remember when a pt has sinus bradycardia?
The pt has to be symptomatic in order to be treated
What rhythm should every pt be ideally in after having an MI?
Sinus bradycardia
What are the causes of sinus tachycardia?
Children Exercise Stress Anxiety Hypovelimia Illegal drugs Fluid overload Caffeine Adrenaline Pain
