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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has sinus tachycardia, which may have multiple etiologies such as pain, dehydration, anxiety, and myocardial ischemia; further assessment is needed before determining the treatment. Vagal stimulation or b-blockade may be used after further assessment of the patient. Electrical cardioversion is used for some tachydysrhythmias, but would not be used for sinus tachycardia.

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