A patient who is complaining of a "racing" heart and feeling "anxious" comes to the emergency department. The nurse places the patient on a heart monitor and obtains the following electrocardiographic (ECG) tracing
Which action should the nurse take next?
a. Prepare to perform electrical cardioversion.
b. Have the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver.
c. Obtain the patient's vital signs including oxygen saturation.
d. Prepare to give a ?-blocker medication to slow the heart rate.
ANS: C
The patient has sinus tachycardia, which may have multiple etiologies such as pain, dehydration, anxiety, and myocardial ischemia. Further assessment is needed before determining the treatment. Vagal stimulation or ?-blockade may be used after further assessment of the patient. Electrical cardioversion is used for some tachydysrhythmias, but would not be used for sinus tachycardia.
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