Arrhythmia

ARRHYTHMIAS An arrhythmia is a disruption in the normal events of the cardiac cycle. It may take a variety of forms. SINUS TACHYCARDIA A. General information A heart rate of over 100 beats/minutes, originating in the SA node. May be caused by fever, apprehension, physical activity, anemia, hyperthyroidism, drugs (epinephrine, theophylline), myocardial ischemia, caffeine. Assessment findings Rate: 100-160 beats/minute Rhythm: regular P wave: precedes each QRS complex with normal contour P-R interval: normal (0.08 second) …

…ventricles Caused by acute MI, CAD, digitalis intoxication, hypokalemia B. Assessment findings 1. Rate Atrial: 60-100 beats/minute Ventricular: varies between 110-250 beats/minute 2. Rhythm: atrial and ventricular irregular P wave: often lost in QRS complex P-R interval: usually not measurable 5. QRS complex: greater than 0.12 second, wide C. Treatment IV push of lidocaine (50-100mg), then IV drip of lidocainamide 1-4mg/minute Procainamide via IV infusion of 2-6 mg/minute Direct-current cardioversion Bretylium, propranolol(inderal)