NCLEX-PN

●​ Sinus Arrhythmia: Irregular heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, uniform P waves, PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and uniform QRS complexes. ●​ Sinus Arrest: Periods of SA node inactivity.

Atrial Arrhythmias Atrial arrhythmias result from malfunctioning of the heart's natural pacemaker (SA node), leading to irregular heartbeats. The four types of atrial arrhythmias are atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and premature atrial contractions (PACs). ●​ Atrial Flutter : It is characterized by a rapid atrial rate (250-400 beats per minute), a variable ventricular rate, regular atrial rhythm, possibly irregular ventricular rhythm, unique sawtooth-shaped flutter waves, unmeasurable PR intervals, and uniform QRS complexes. It may be linked to aging, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mitral valve defects, cardiomyopathy, and ischemia. Symptoms can include weakness, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, and anxiety. Complications may include clot formation, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and decreased cardiac output. Treatment options include anticoagulation, cardioversion, and medications like procainamide and beta-blockers.

●​ Atrial Fibrillation : It is characterized by a rapid atrial rate (350-400 beats per minute), variable ventricular rate, irregular rhythm, absent P waves replaced by f waves, unmeasurable PR intervals, and uniform QRS complexes. Conditions linked to atrial fibrillation include hypertension, heart failure, sinus node dysfunction, hypoxia, mitral valve defects, pericarditis, coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism, and aging. Symptoms may include chest tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, fainting, and fatigue. Complications can include clot formation, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and reduced cardiac output. Treatment options include rate control with medications, cardioversion, oxygen supplementation, and antithrombotic therapy.

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