CH. 26 cardiac disrythmias

Cardiac rhythm

The precise pattern or pace at which the heart beats.

Normal sinus rhythm

The standard cardiac rhythm characterized by impulses generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The natural pacemaker of the heart that initiates the cardiac rhythm.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A diagnostic tool used to identify normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms.

Atrial fibrillation

A dysrhythmia characterized by rapid and disorganized impulses within the atria.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood ejected from the heart every minute.

Dysrhythmia

A conduction disorder manifesting as an abnormal heart rate or irregular conduction.

Ischemic heart disease

The most prevalent cause of arrhythmias, resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart.

Sinus Bradycardia

An arrhythmia with a heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute.

Sinus Tachycardia

An arrhythmia characterized by a rapid heart rate of 100 to 150 beats per minute.

Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC)

Sporadic early electrical impulses introducing irregularities in the ventricular rhythm.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

A rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles with a rate of 150 beats per minute or more.

Atrial Flutter

A dysrhythmia where the atria contract rapidly at a rate of 200 to 400 contractions per minute.

Heart Block

A disorder impeding the effective transmission of impulses from the SA node through the AV node.

First-Degree Heart Block

Characterized by prolonged conduction time with delayed impulses but no impulse loss.

Ventricular Tachycardia

A condition with consistent and repetitive ventricular contractions ranging from 150 to 250 beats per minute.

Ventricular Fibrillation

A life-threatening state where the ventricles quiver ineffectively without generating cardiac output.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC)

Early contractions originating in the ventricles before the SA node's impulse.

Third-Degree Heart Block

A condition where atrial impulses do not reach the ventricles, resulting in independent rhythms.

Angina

Chest pain that can result from decreased cardiac output due to dysrhythmias.

Electrophysiology studies

Diagnostic tests used to identify the origin of dysrhythmias.

Drug therapy for dysrhythmias

The use of oral and intravenous antiarrhythmic agents based on the severity of hemodynamic compromise.

Elective electrical cardioversion

A controlled procedure to cease rapid atrial dysrhythmias and restore normal sinus rhythm.

Defibrillation

An emergency procedure to restore functional contractions in life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Pacemaker Placement

The implantation of devices to regulate heart rhythms in chronic dysrhythmias.

Nursing management for dysrhythmias

Vigilant monitoring and documentation of vital signs and symptoms in patients with dysrhythmias.

Client education for dysrhythmias

Informing clients about their specific dysrhythmia and the importance of treatment compliance.

Hypothermia

A condition that can contribute to the development of dysrhythmias.

Electrolyte disturbances

Imbalances that may lead to or worsen dysrhythmias.

Age-related degenerative changes

Factors that increase the risk of dysrhythmias as individuals age.

Cognitive impairments

Confusion or disorientation that may result from severe dysrhythmias.

Myocardial ischemia

A leading cause of dysrhythmias due to reduced blood flow to heart tissue.

Ventricular rate

The rate at which the ventricles contract, which can be affected by dysrhythmias.

Atrial quivering

The ineffective contraction of the atria observed in atrial fibrillation.

Thromboembolic incidents

Complications like strokes that can arise from atrial fibrillation due to clot formation.

Regularity of heart rhythm

Consistency of intervals between heartbeats in a normal cardiac rhythm.

PR interval

The time taken for the impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles in normal rhythm.

QRS duration

The time it takes for the ventricles to depolarize, normally 0.12 seconds or less.

Signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output

Weakness, fatigue, angina, fainting, palpitations, low blood pressure, and cognitive changes.