06/06/2024
NCLEX-RN 11 Most Commonly Asked Arrhythmias:
1. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves. It's associated with a risk of stroke due to the potential for clot formation in the atria.
2. Atrial Flutter: Identified by a regular, sawtooth pattern of atrial activity (F waves) usually with a 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 block. The ventricular rate can be regular or irregular depending on the degree of block.
3. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A life-threatening condition characterized by a wide QRS complex and a fast ventricular rate (greater than 100 beats per minute). It can lead to ventricular fibrillation if not treated promptly.
4. Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): A severe, life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by chaotic electrical activity and no discernible QRS complexes. It results in no effective cardiac output and requires immediate defibrillation.
5. Sinus Bradycardia: A sinus rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. It can be normal in athletes but may indicate underlying pathology in others.
6. Sinus Tachycardia: A sinus rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. It can be a normal response to stress or exercise but may also indicate underlying issues such as fever, anemia, or hyperthyroidism.
7. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, often presenting with a narrow QRS complex and sudden onset and termination. It includes conditions such as AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).
8. First-Degree AV Block: Characterized by a prolonged PR interval (greater than 0.20 seconds) with all P waves followed by a QRS complex. It's usually asymptomatic but may require monitoring.
9. Second-Degree AV Block (Type I, Wenckebach): A progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a P wave is not followed by a QRS complex. It often has a cyclical pattern and is usually benign.
10. Second-Degree AV Block (Type II, Mobitz II): Characterized by occasional P waves not followed by QRS complexes without a progressive lengthening of the PR interval. This type is more serious and can progress to third-degree AV block.
11. Third-Degree AV Block (Complete Heart Block): No conduction of atrial impulses to the ventricles, resulting in atria and ventricles beating independently. It requires immediate medical intervention, often with a pacemaker.
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