Exhibits The client's electrocardiogram (ECG) strip reveals sinus tachycardia. Select the 4 characteristics that the nurse is likely to see in the ECG.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Atrial and ventricular rates are 115 beats/minute: Sinus tachycardia is defined by a heart rate greater than 100 beats/minute with normal sinus rhythm. The atrial and ventricular rates remain equal and typically range between 100–150 beats/minute in sinus tachycardia. B. There is a wide QRS complex: Wide QRS complexes (>0.12 seconds) are not typical of sinus tachycardia and suggest an abnormal ventricular conduction, such as bundle branch block or ventricular rhythm, which is not supported by the sinus origin in this case. C. The PP interval is regular: Regular PP intervals indicate consistent atrial depolarization, which is a hallmark of sinus rhythms, including sinus tachycardia. This reflects a stable and predictable SA node discharge. D. The PR interval measures 0.12 seconds: A normal PR interval ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, and in sinus tachycardia, the PR interval remains within this normal range despite the faster rate. E. There is absence of P waves: P waves are present and upright in leads II, III, and aVF during sinus tachycardia. Absence of P waves would suggest an atrial arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation, not sinus tachycardia. F. The QRS complex measures 0.08 seconds: A narrow QRS complex (<0.12 seconds) confirms that ventricular depolarization is occurring through the normal conduction pathways, which is typical in sinus tachycardia.