While counting the apical pulse on a 16-year-old patient, the nurse notices an irregular rhythm. His rate speeds up on inspiration and slows on expiration. What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is sinus dysrhythmia which occurs normally in young adults and children. With sinus dysrhythmia, the rhythm varies with the person's breathing, increasing at the peak of inspiration and slowing with expiration. The nurse should document this as a normal finding. This is a normal finding so there is no need to question the patient about his caffeine intake, perform an electrocardiogram, or refer to a cardiologist.

While Counting the Apical Pulse on a 16-Year-Old Patient, the Nurse