The patient is experiencing frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
The nurse plans this patient's care based on which understanding of the clinical significance of PVCs? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. PVCs show that the rhythm is regular.
2. PVCs can be a life-threatening cardiac rhythm.
3. PVCs could become the dominant pacemaker.
4. PVCs are neither significant nor dangerous.
5. PVCs can indicate myocardial ischemia and injury.
2,3,5
Rationale 1: When PVCs occur, the rhythm is irregular, not regular.
Rationale 2: The presence of PVCs indicates myocardial irritability, which may progress to a life-threatening state.
Rationale 3: When a PVC becomes the dominant pacemaker, the rhythm is ventricular tachycardia, which is life threatening and must be terminated.
Rationale 4: PVCs can be short-lived, isolated, and benign, but this patient is having them frequently. This indicates myocardial irritability, which could lead to a life-threatening situation.
Rationale 5: When the cardiac muscle does not receive adequate blood supply, the muscle becomes ischemic and irritable, resulting in PVCs.
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