The nurse is caring for a patient with failure of the SA node and the AV node is unable to initiate an impulse. The ventricular rate ranges from 20 to 40 beats/min. Which clinical manifestations can the nurse expect to document? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the SA node fails and the AV node cannot initiate an impulse, leading to a significantly reduced heart rate (20 to 40 beats/min), the body's tissues and organs receive less oxygenated blood. This can result in symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing) due to inadequate oxygenation, decreased level of consciousness as the brain receives less oxygen, syncope (fainting) due to reduced cerebral blood flow, and chest pain from insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle. Being energetic (D) is unlikely in this scenario due to the body's reduced oxygen supply.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Failure of the SA