You have performed an ECG on a hospital patient who is known to be suffering from hypotension. A portion of the tracing is shown here. What might be the cause of this patient's hypotension?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ECG tracing shows a regular rhythm with a rate of 46 bpm and no discernible P waves. This is consistent with a junctional escape rhythm, which arises from the AV junction and is often seen in patients with hypotension. The absence of P waves suggests that the pacemaker is located below the level of the SA node, and is likely compensating for a slow or absent impulse from the SA node. Sinus bradycardia would be characterized by a slow but regular rhythm with identifiable P waves. PJCs and accelerated junctional escape rhythms would both be irregular rhythms with abnormal P wave morphology.

You Have Performed an ECG on a Hospital Patient Who