The nurse is caring for a patient who has a pulse rate of 48. His blood pressure is within normal limits. Which finding will help the nurse determine the cause of the patient's low heart rate?
a. The patient has a fever.
b. The patient has possible hemorrhage or bleeding.
c. The patient has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
d. The patient has calcium channel blockers or digitalis medication prescriptions.
ANS: D
Negative chronotropic drugs such as digitalis, beta-adrenergic agents, and calcium channel blockers can slow down pulse rate. Fever, bleeding, hemorrhage, and COPD all increase the body's need for oxygen, leading to an increased heart rate.
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