A nurse is assessing a client's telemetry strip. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Heart rate 98/min: A heart rate of 98 beats per minute is within normal limits (60–100/min) for adults. While it is at the upper end of normal, it does not typically require urgent reporting or intervention. B. Widened P wave: A widened P wave may indicate atrial enlargement or conduction delay, which is important to note, but it is not immediately life-threatening. It should be documented and monitored, but it does not necessitate urgent notification. C. 2 PVCs/min: Occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can occur in healthy individuals or as a response to stress, caffeine, or electrolyte imbalances. Two PVCs per minute is usually not critical unless associated with symptoms or patterns like couplets or runs of ventricular tachycardia. D. S-T segment elevations: ST-segment elevation is a significant finding that can indicate acute myocardial injury or infarction. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate notification of the provider for rapid assessment, intervention, and potential reperfusion therapy.