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    Ngu Hesi Rn Compass Exit Proctored Exam

    The nurse is reviewing the client's heart rhythm strip. Based on this strip, which interpretation should the nurse make?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale A. Ventricular tachycardia (VT): VT is characterized by a rapid heart rate, usually 100 to 250 beats/minute, with wide and bizarre QRS complexes that are regular in rhythm. The rhythm strip provided is completely chaotic and irregular, without identifiable QRS complexes or a discernible rate, therefore it is not ventricular tachycardia. B. Ventricular fibrillation (VF): This rhythm is characterized by chaotic, erratic electrical activity in the ventricles, resulting in a quivering but non-pumping heart. The ECG strip shows total disorganization of ventricular electrical activity, with no recognizable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves, appearing as a chaotic, wavy baseline. C. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib): A-fib is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves. However, the QRS complexes are typically narrow and still present. The rhythm strip shown lacks any recognizable QRS complexes and is too chaotic to be A-fib. D. Third degree heart block (Complete Heart Block): Third-degree heart block is characterized by complete dissociation between the atria and ventricles, meaning the P waves and QRS complexes march out independently. While the rate is usually slow, both P waves and QRS complexes are still visible on the strip

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