The patient is having premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).The nurse's greatest concern should be:
A) the proximity of the R wave of the PVC to the T wave of a normal beat.
B) the fact that PVCs are occurring, because they are so rare.
C) if the number of PVCs are decreasing.
D) if the PVCs are wider than 0.12 seconds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The peak of the T wave through the downslope of the T wave is considered the vulnerable period,which coincides with partial repolarization of the ventricles.If a PVC occurs during the T wave,ventricular tachycardia may occur.When the R wave of PVC falls on the T wave of a normal beat,it is referred to as the R-on-T phenomenon.PVCs may occur in healthy individuals and usually do not require treatment.The nurse must determine if PVCs are increasing in number by evaluating the trend.If PVCs are increasing,the nurse should evaluate for potential causes such as electrolyte imbalances,myocardial ischemia or injury,and hypoxemia.Runs of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia may be a precursor to development of sustained ventricular tachycardia.Because the stimulus depolarizes the ventricles in a slower,abnormal way,the QRS complex appears widened and has a bizarre shape.The QRS complex is wider than 0.12 seconds and often wider than 0.16 seconds.

The Patient Is Having Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)