Your 71 year old patient has a heart rate of 50 BPM. Analysis of the ECG reveals an irregular rhythm with one and sometimes two upright P waves preceding each narrow QRS complex. This occurs in a cyclical basis. This type of irregularity is called ________ irregularity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The description of the ECG irregularity, where one and sometimes two upright P waves precede each narrow QRS complex in a cyclical basis, is indicative of a patterned irregularity. This means the irregularity follows a recognizable pattern or cycle, as opposed to being completely random (totally irregular) or occurring sporadically (occasional). Paroxysmal refers to sudden onset of symptoms, which does not directly relate to the patterned nature of the irregularity described.

Your 71 Year Old Patient Has a Heart Rate of 50