The client asks the nurse what the medical term for a slow heart rate is. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

1. "Atrial fibrillation."
2. "Bradycardia."
3. "Premature ventricular contraction."
4. "Tachycardia."

Answer 1

2

Rationale 1: Fibrillation is characterized by very rapid, uncoordinated beats.
Rationale 2: Bradycardia is a slow heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.
Rationale 3: Premature ventricular contraction is an extra beat often originating from a source other than the SA node.
Rationale 4: Tachycardia is a fast heart rate that is greater than 100 beats per minute.

Global Rationale: Bradycardia is a slow heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. Fibrillation is characterized by very rapid, uncoordinated beats. Premature ventricular contraction is an extra beat often originating from a source other than the SA node. Tachycardia is a fast heart rate that is greater than 100 beats per minute.