Module 5 Flashcards
Where does a wandering atrial pacemaker originate from?
Different points in the atrial tissue
What is a key indicator that your patient has a wandering atrial pacemaker?
3 different P waves in the strip, normal QRS, QT
Is there a conduction problem with this wandering atrial pacemaker rhythm?
Not normally
What is the cause of wandering atrial pacemaker rhythm?
This dysrhythmia can be the normal parasympathetic effect of changes in intrathoracic pressure during the respiratory cycle. It can also be the result of digitalis toxicity
What are the O2 demands with a wandering atrial pacemaker rhythm?
If the heart rate goes to fast or to slow, it can cause issues such as decreased cardiac OP (hr to slow) and if to fast, decrease in ventricle filling and increase oxygen supply
What are some interventions for a wandering atrial pacemaker rhythm?
ASSESS PATIENT FIRST
Usually no problem but always assess
What is it called when the atria contracts eairler than expected?
Premature atrial contraction (PAC’s)
What is it called when another part of the heart (outside the conduction system) acts as a pacemaker?
Ectopic focus
When do PAC’s occur
When a ectopic focus fires faster than the SA node
What is the conduction problem that occurs with PAC’s?
Somewhere outside the conduction system, forms a impulse and contracts sooner than expected
What is the cause of PAC’s?
Stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and narcotics
Also electrolyte imbalance, heart disease and anything that increases sympathetic tone
How do PAC’s effected the O2 demands of the heart?
In a healthy individual you are fine
If the patient has a rapid pulse, this can increase the O2 demands of the heart and this can lead to a A-fib or A-flutter rhythm
What are some interventions for PAC’s
Assess patient first
?Dig levels
document findings and notify physician if you are worried or patient is symptomatic
What is the rate and rhythm of PAC’s?
Usually normal and regular
What does the P-wave look like in a PAC?
Positive and upright, before QRS complex
Premature P wave may look different