Premature Junctional Contractions (PJC's)

Question 1

What is a PJC?

Answer 1

Occurs when an irritable area in junctional tissue generates an impulse before the next SA initiated beat.

Question 2

Is there a P wave?

Answer 2

1. Absent
2. Inverted
3. Before or after QRS

Question 3

Is there a QRS?

Answer 3

YES

Question 4

Is there a PR interval?

Answer 4

Maybe; If yes it may be shorter. <.11 seconds

Question 5

Is the rate normal?

Answer 5

No bc there is an underlying rhythm

Question 6

Is the rhythm normal?

Answer 6

No, bc of the early beat

Question 7

How are PJC’s treated?

Answer 7

1. If infrequent = Monitor

2. If increase in frequency = IV bb, ccb, AMIODERONE

Question 8

If PJC’s increase in frequency, what does this signify?

Answer 8

1. Increase in Ischemia

2. Increase in irritability

Question 9

What is PSVT?

Answer 9

Premature Supraventricular Tachycardia; This term is used when we are unable to specifically ID the particular tachycardia.

Question 10

How can I distinguish PSVT from V tach?

Answer 10

The QRS complex is not wider than normal

Question 11

What is the rate in PSVT?

Answer 11

> 150 bpm

Question 12

Is the rhythm regular in PSVT?

Answer 12

YES

Question 13

Is there a PR interval?

Answer 13

NO; P wave may be hidden in the QRS or on top of the T wave