A patient's monitor strip shows an irregular rhythm. Which method of estimating the rate would be best for the nurse to use? The nurse should count the number of:
1. Small blocks between two consecutive R waves and divide by 1500
2. Large blocks between two consecutive R waves and divide by 300
3. QRS complexes in 6 seconds and multiply by 10
4. Large blocks in 3 seconds and multiply by 20
3
Rationale 1: Counting the number of small blocks is an estimation method used only in regular rhythms.
Rationale 2: Counting the number of large blocks is an estimation method used only in regular rhythms.
Rationale 3: This is the most accurate method to assess heart rate with an irregular rhythm.
Rationale 4: Counting large blocks in 3 seconds and multiplying by 20 is not an appropriate method of estimating heart rate.
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