Dysrhythmias

Question 1

Differentiate between Tachycardia and Bradycardia.

Answer 1

Tachycardia: HR greater than 100 bpm

Bradycardia: HR lower than 60 bmp.

Question 2

Differentiate between a-fib and v-fib.

Answer 2

A-fib: Quivering atria with irregular fast heart rhythm.

V-fib: Quivering ventricles with no cardiac output.

Question 3

Define heart block.

Answer 3

Heart block: Impulse prevented from moving forward.

Question 4

Define Asystole.

Answer 4

Asystole: No ECG activity.

Question 5

List Three Potential Causes of Cardiac Dysrhythmias.

Answer 5

1. Electrolyte imbalances

• Abnormal levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can affect the electrical conduction in the heart.

2. Ischemic heart disease

• Reduced blood flow due to coronary artery disease can lead to damage to the heart muscle and conduction system.

3. Medications

• Certain drugs can provoke or exacerbate dysrhythmias

Question 6

What is the Consequence of Fast Heart Rhythms? Slow Heart Rhythms?

Answer 6

Tachycardia

• Reduced filling time = decreased CO
• Increased O2 demand
  -Risk of HF and arryhthmias

Bradycardia

• Pumping too slow = decreased CO
• Dizziness, fatigue, scope, hypoperfusion of organs
• Risk of cardiac arrest if severe

Question 7

List Four Cardiac Rhythms in Which There Is No Pulse or Cardiac Output.

Answer 7

1. Ventricular Fibrillation
2. Asystole
3. Pulseless electrical activity
4. Ventricular tachycardia

Question 8

List 2 Rhythms that May Be Treated with a Defibrillator.

Answer 8

1. V-Fib
2. Ventricular tachycardia (when pulseless)

Question 9

In What Situation is a Cardiac Pacemaker Indicated?

Answer 9

A cardiac pacemaker is indicated in cases of bradycardia when the heart rate is too slow to maintain adequate cardiac output.

• Sinus node dysfunction
• Heart block
• Symptomatic bradycardia

Question 10

Describe the electrical impuse pathway.

Answer 10

1. SA Node (primary pacemaker of the heart) generates electrical impulses
2. Impulses spread across the atria, causing atrial contraction
3. AV Node delays signal to allow atria to finish contracting
4. Bundle of His conducts impulse from the AV node to the rt and lt bundle branches
5. Bundle branches transmit the impulse to the rt and lt ventricles
   6.Purkinje fibres distribute the electrical impulse throughout the ventricles causing them to contract