The rhythm on the cardiac monitor is showing numerous pacemaker spikes,but no P waves or QRS complexes following the spikes.The nurse recognizes this as:
A) normal pacemaker function.
B) failure to capture.
C) failure to pace.
D) failure to sense.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the pacemaker generates an electrical impulse (pacer spike)and no depolarization is noted,it is described as a failure to capture.On the ECG,a pacer spike is noted,but it is not followed by a P wave (atrial pacemaker)or a QRS complex (ventricular pacemaker).This is not normal pacemaker function.Failure to pace or fire occurs when the pacemaker fails to initiate an electrical stimulus when it should fire.The problem is noted by absence of pacer spikes on the rhythm strip.When the pacemaker does not sense the patient's own cardiac rhythm and initiates an electrical impulse,it is called failure to sense.Failure to sense manifests as pacer spikes that fall too closely to the patient's own rhythm,earlier than the programmed rate.

The Rhythm on the Cardiac Monitor Is Showing Numerous Pacemaker