A patient's electrocardiogram reveals occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The nurse manager evaluates that the newly licensed nurse understands the implications of this finding when the nurse makes which statement?

Question

1. "PVCs are insignificant in people with no history of heart disease.".
2. "PVCs typically have no pattern.".
3. "The frequency of PVCs is not associated with specific events.".
4. "The incidence of PVCs has no relevance to the patient having had a myocardial infarction.".

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: PVCs often have no significance in people without history of heart disease.
Rationale 2: PVCs may be isolated or occur in specific patterns.
Rationale 3: PVCs may be triggered by anxiety or stress; tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine use; hypoxia, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances; sympathomimetic drugs; and coronary heart disease.
Rationale 4: PVCs may be associated with an increased risk for lethal dysrhythmias, and their incidence and significance are greatest after myocardial infarction.