When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old boy, the nurse notices that his heart rate varies with his respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. What action should the nurse take next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sinus dysrhythmia is commonly found in children and young adults. During the respiratory cycle, the heart rate varies, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. There is no need to notify the physician; check the child's blood pressure for variations with respirations, or documenting as bradycardia if the rate is not below 70 beats/minute.

When Assessing the Pulse of a 6-Year-Old Boy, the Nurse