A newly admitted 30-year-old patient has a resting pulse rate of 56 . Which question, if answered affirmatively, is most likely to assist in determining the cause of the patient's bradycardia?
a. "Have you exercised in the past hour or so?"
b. "Are you taking digoxin?"
c. "Are you having pain?"
d. "Are you feeling stressed?"
B
The heart rate normally increases during periods of exertion. Athletes commonly have resting heart rates below 60 because of the increased strength and efficiency of the cardiac muscle. To determine if the patient is an athlete, the question in option "a" would be incorrect. A more appropriate question to ask would be something like "Do you exercise regularly?" The question about digoxin, if answered affirmatively, is most likely to assist in determining the cause of his bradycardia. Medications such as cardiotonics (digoxin) and beta blockers decrease heart rate. Psychophysiological stressors such as pain or stress can increase heart rate, causing tachycardia, because of increased metabolic demands placed on the body.
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