Dysrhythmias

Question 1

What is a wondering pacemaker?

Answer 1

• The passive transfer of pacemaker sites from the sinus node to other latent pacemaker sites in the atria and AV junction
• The shift in the site is usually transient, back and forth along the SA node, atria, and AV junction

Question 2

What is premature atrial complex?

Answer 2

• A single electrical impulse originating in the atria, outside the sinus node
• The impulse creates a premature atrial complex (P wave) and, if conducted through the AV node, also causes a QRS complex before the next expected sinus beat

Question 3

List 8 causes of premature atrial complex

Answer 3

1. Increase in catecholamines and sympathetic tone
2. Use of caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol
3. Use of sympathomimetic drugs—epinephrine (adrenalin), isoproterenol (Isuprel), norepinephrine (Levophed)
4. Electrolyte imbalance
5. Hypoxia
6. Digitalis toxicity
7. Cardiovascular disease
8. In some cases, no apparent caus