A patient is in sinus tachycardia. Which nursing interventions are appropriate?
Select all that apply.
1. Observe the patient for effects on cardiac function.
2. Administer two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) per physician prescription if an elevated temperature is present.
3. Administer normal saline 0.9% IV at the prescribed rate of 200 mL per hour if hypovolemia is suspected as the cause.
4. Give pain medications as prescribed if pain is present.
5. Give atropine per physician prescription to slow the heart rate.
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4
Appropriate nursing interventions for the patient in sinus tachycardia are to observe the patient for effects on cardiac function and to treat fever, hypovolemia, and pain if present. The focus is on determining the patient response to the elevated heart rate and treating the underlying causes, which are often fever, pain, and hypovolemia. Atropine acts to increase heart rate and may be a cause of sinus tachycardia.
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