University:
West Coast University
Course:
NURS 110 | Introduction to Professional Nursing
Academic year:

2021
Views:

403

Pages:

2
Author:

basteishx23y

Sinus Tachycardia Rate: 100-150 BPM PRI: .12-.20 sec QRS: < .12 QT: < .40 Rhythm: Regular Source of pacer: SA Node Characteristics: Sinus tachycardia is a normal response to stress and exercise. If it is persistent, at rest it may indicate a more severe underlying problem such as fever, dehydration, blood loss, anemia, anxiety, heart failure, hypermetabolic states or ingestion of a significant stimulant such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Drugs that can cause Sinus Tachycardia are atropine, isuprel, epinephrine, dopamine, dobutrex, norepinephrine, nipride and caffeine. Sinus Tachycardia increases the hearts need for oxygen, decreases ventricular diastolic time and decreases coronary artery perfusion. Reflexive Sinus Tachycardia is often seen in hypotensive patients, in an attempt to maintain adequate blood pressure. Nursing Priorities: Check your patient’s blood pressure, assess for syncope, palpitations, or SOB. Patient may need to lie down to prevent potential falls. Patient may have lower B/P due to decreased diastolic ventricular filling time associated with the tachycardia. Potential Treatment: Asymptomatic: Observation. Symptomatic: Treat the underlying cause (dehydration, anxiety, etc). Drugs such as beta blockers may be given to slow the HR. The underlying cause must be identified and treated. Drugs that may be given to slow the heart are: digitalis, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, sedatives and various other antiarrhythmic medications. Supraventrical Tachycardia (SVT) (PSVT) Rate: > 150 BPM PRI: Usually < .12 sec QRS: Narrow, < .12 sec QT: < .40 sec Rhythm: Regular Source of pacer: Atrial re-entry current Characteristics: Tachycardias with a narrow QRS < .12 seconds and faster than 150 BPM do not originate from the SA Node, since the upper limit rate for the SA NODE is 150. The rhythms can vary in name from Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), Atrial Tachycardia, or a rhythm that may speed up and slow down called Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia or Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. If P waves are visible, the rhythm may be called Atrial Tachycardia, if no P waves are visible due to a very fast rate, label the rhythm SVT. The onset of PSVT/PAT is typically abrupt, with the onset being initiated by a premature atrial beat. The arrhythmia may self-terminate in a few minutes to a few hours. Nursing Priorities: Check your patient’s blood pressure, assess for syncope, palpitations, or SOB. Patient may need to lie down to prevent potential falls. Patient may have lower B/P due to decreased diastolic ventricular filling time associated with the tachycardia. Potential Treatment: Asymptomatic: Observation. Symptomatic: Cardioversion, Carotid sinus massage Valsalva maneuver, IV adenosine, IV Verapamil, Oral anti-coagulants for stroke prevention Identify and treat cause