A patient who is complaining of a "racing" heart and nervousness comes to the emergency department. The patient's blood pressure (BP) is 102/68. The nurse places the patient on a cardiac monitor and obtains the following ECG tracing.
Which action should the nurse take next?

Question

A patient who is complaining of a "racing" heart and nervousness comes to the emergency department. The patient's blood pressure (BP) is 102/68. The nurse places the patient on a cardiac monitor and obtains the following ECG tracing. 
Which action should the nurse take next?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has sinus tachycardia, which may be caused by multiple stressors such as pain, dehydration, or myocardial ischemia; further assessment is needed before determining the treatment. Vagal stimulation and electrical cardioversion are not used to treat sinus tachycardia. b-blockade may be used, but further assessment is needed first.

A Patient Who Is Complaining of a "Racing" Heart and Nervousness