On inspection of an ECG rhythm strip from an adult patient, you notice the following: regular sawtooth-like waves occurring at a rate of 280/min and a regular ventricular rhythm occurring at a rate of approximately 140/min. What is the most likely interpretation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atrial flutter is the rapid depolarization of the atria resulting from an ectopic focus that depolarizes at a rate of 250 to 350 times/min. Typically, only one ectopic focus is causing the arrhythmia, which results in each P wave appearing similar. The result is a characteristic sawtooth pattern.

On Inspection of an ECG Rhythm Strip from an Adult