A nurse is monitoring a client's heart rhythm following insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following images should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach): Regular, very fast rhythm (150–250 bpm), Wide QRS complexes, No visible P waves. Interpretation: Life-threatening rhythm, not expected after pacemaker. Immediate intervention is needed. B. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregularly irregular rhythm, No distinct P waves, Narrow QRS complexes. AFib can exist with or without a pacemaker, but not expected immediately post-insertion unless patient has pre-existing AFib. C. Rhythm: Ventricular paced rhythm (normal post-pacemaker). Regular rhythm -60 bpm, Narrow QRS complexes following sharp pacing spikes, Pacing spikes appear just before QRS complexes. Expected ECG after permanent pacemaker insertion — it shows effective ventricular capture. D. Irregular rhythm, Alternating normal and wide QRS complexes, Wide QRS possibly not preceded by pacing spike, not expected right after pacemaker insertion. Suggests poor pacer function or ventricular ectopy.