The patient is admitted with a fever and rapid heart rate. The patient's temperature is 103° F (39.4° C).The nurse places the patient on a cardiac monitor and finds the patient's atrial and ventricular rates are above 105 beats per minute

Question

P waves are clearly seen and appear normal in configuration. QRS complexes are normal in appearance and 0.08 seconds wide. The rhythm is regular, and blood pressure is normal. The nurse should focus on providing: a. medications to lower heart rate.
b. treatment to lower temperature.
c. treatment to lower cardiac output.
d. treatment to reduce heart rate.

Answer 1

B
Sinus tachycardia results when the SA node fires faster than 100 beats per minute. Sinus tachycardia is a normal response to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Sinus tachycardia is also a normal finding in children younger than 6 years. Both atrial and ventricular rates are greater than 100 beats per minute, up to 160 beats per minute, but may be as high as 180 beats per minute. Sinus tachycardia is regular or essentially regular. PR interval is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. QRS interval is 0.06 to 0.10 seconds. P and QRS waves are consistent in shape. P waves are small and rounded. A P wave precedes every QRS complex, which is then followed by a T wave. The fast heart rhythm may cause a decrease in cardiac output because of the shorter filling time for the ventricles. Lowering cardiac out further may complicate the situation. The dysrhythmia itself is not treated, but the cause is identified and treated appropriately. For example, if the patient has a fever or is in pain, the infection or pain is treated appropriately.