Dysrhythmias (Exam #1) Flashcards
Where do sinus dysrhythmias originate from?
SA node
Which dysrhythmia involves patterned irregularity = cyclical rhythm (HR slows → speeds up → slows)?
Sinus Dysrhythmia (Sinus Arrhythmia)
Which dysrhythmia involves rate of <60 bpm; regular rhythm?
Sinus Bradycardia
Which dysrhythmia involves rate of 100-160 bpm; regular rhythm?
Sinus Tachycardia
Which dysrhythmia involves irregular rhythm when pause occurs then resumes normal appearance after pause? What are the two subtypes, and how do you tell them apart?
Sinus Pause/Arrest
- Pause = 1-2 beats dropped
- Arrest = 3+ beats dropped
Which dysrhythmia involves periods of bradycardia, tachycardia, prolonged pauses or alternating bradycardia/tachycardia? What is another name for this?
Sinus Node Dysfunction = “Sick Sinus Syndrome”
Where do atrial dysrhythmias originate from (2)? What three mechanisms cause these dysrhythmias?
Atrial tissue or internodal pathways
- Automaticity (initiate impulses too early)
- Triggered activity (repetitive firing)
- Reentry
What are the three key characteristics seen with atrial dysrhythmias?
- Altered P waves
- Abnormal (shortened/prolonged) PR interval
- Narrow/normal QRS complex
Which dysrhythmia involves P waves that change in appearance (3 or more appearances); pacemaker shifts between SA node, atria, AV junction?
Wandering Atrial Pacemaker
Which dysrhythmia involves P waves that change in appearance (3 or more appearances)?
Wandering Atrial Pacemaker
Which dysrhythmia involves early ectopic beat that originate outside of SA node?
Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs)
Which dysrhythmia involves a NON-compensatory pause, and what does this mean?
Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs)
- For R-R wave, tip of right caliper does NOT line up with next R wave
What are the three subtypes for PACs and PVCs?
- Bigeminal = every other beat
- Trigeminal = every 3rd beat
- Quadrigeminal = every 4th beat
Which dysrhythmia involves rate of 150-250 bpm with regular rhythm; rate so fast that it overrides SA node? In what two patterns might they present?
Atrial Tachycardia
- Short bursts (often well-tolerated)
- Sustained (can cause sxs)
Which dysrhythmia involves rate of 120-150 bpm with irregular rhythm; appears similar to Wandering Atrial Pacemaker but faster?
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT)
Which dysrhythmia involves ABSENT P waves (buried in T waves); regular rhythm?
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Which dysrhythmia involves “saw tooth” appearance, and what is the rate range? What specific waves are seen?
Atrial Flutter = 250-350 bpm
- F waves
Which dysrhythmia involves absent P waves, instead involves F waves? f waves?
- F = Atrial Flutter
- f = Atrial Fibrillation
For which two atrial dysrhythmias can you NOT measure PR interval or QT interval?
- Atrial Flutter
- Atrial Fibrillation
Which dysrhythmia involves a rate of 350+ bpm; chaotic, synchronous firing?
Atrial Fibrillation
Which dysrhythmia involves irregularly irregular rhythm?
Atrial Fibrillation
Where do junctional dysrhythmias originate from?
AV junction