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 mm Hg.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 mm Hg.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 ECG tracing shows sinus tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node. Before administering any medication, the nurse should obtain further information about possible causes for the tachycardia, such as anxiety, fever, pain, hypovolemia, or hyperthyroidism. The Valsalva manoeuvre (choice A) may be used to slow down a supraventricular tachycardia, but not sinus tachycardia. Electrical cardioversion (choice C) is not indicated for sinus tachycardia. Beta-blockers (choice B) can be used to slow down the heart rate, but only after identifying and treating the underlying cause.

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