Page 55 - AACN Essentials of Critical-Care Nursing Pocket Handbook, Second Edition
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                   Treatment is usually not   necessary.  Treat underlying cause. Drugs (eg, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers,  if necessary.
                                                        PACs conducted abnormally in the ventricle.
                Treatment  procainamide) can be used




                   •   •  •










             Cardiac Rhythms, ECG Characteristics, and Treatment Guide (continued)
                ECG Characteristics Rhythm: Usually regular except when PACs occur, resulting in early beats. PACs P waves: Precede every QRS. The configuration of the premature P wave differs from PR interval: May be normal or long depending on the prematurity of




                   Rate: Usually within normal range. usually have a noncompensatory pause.  that of the sinus P waves.  rate, resulting in a prolonged PR interval.  ventricles is usually normal unless the PAC is very early.











                   •  •  •  •   •  of the beat.  •      PACs conducted normally in the ventricle.



                Rhythm
                   Premature atrial  contraction
             3.12
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