Page 57 - AACN Essentials of Critical-Care Nursing Pocket Handbook, Second Edition
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Eliminate underlying cause and Digitalis (unless it is the cause of atrial tachycardia with block). diltiazem can slow ventricular amiodarone may be effective to Radiofrequency ablation is often
Treatment decrease ventricular rate. Vagal stimulation. Propranolol, verapamil, or Procainamide, flecainide, prevent recurrences.
• Sedation. • • • • rate. • • successful.
Cardiac Rhythms, ECG Characteristics, and Treatment Guide (continued)
ECG Characteristics Rhythm: Regular unless there is variable block at the AV node. P waves: Differ in shape from sinus P waves because they are ectopic. Precede each QRS complex but may be hidden in preceding T wave. When block is present, more PR
Rate: Atrial rate is 120-250 beats/min. than one P wave appears before each QRS complex. of hidden P waves. ventricles while the ventricles are still partially refractory.
• • • • • •
Rhythm Atrial tachycardia
3.12
