A patient who normally has a pulse rate of 82 beats per minute is admitted to the cardiac unit with a pulse rate of 46 beats per minute. Which part of the cardiac conduction system is most likely initiating cardiac impulses?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The AV node is most likely initiating cardiac impulses in this scenario. Normally, the SA node initiates impulses that set the heart rate, typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute. A pulse rate significantly lower than this range, such as 46 beats per minute, suggests that the SA node may not be functioning properly, and the AV node has taken over the role of pacemaker. The AV node naturally initiates impulses at a slower rate (40-60 beats per minute) than the SA node, which aligns with the patient's current pulse rate.

A Patient Who Normally Has a Pulse Rate of 82