Mr. P. is a 56-year-old man who was successfully extubated (endotracheal tube removed) 4 hours after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, 2 hours later, the patient complains of his heart racing, and it is determined that he has palpitations. The heart rate on the bedside monitor is 168 beats per minute, blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, and respiratory rate is 26 breaths per minute. The ECG shows an irregularly irregular rhythm, a change from the sinus rhythm noted at the last assessment.
Questions
1. Based on this description, what is your interpretation of the rhythm?
2. What complications could occur as a result of this rhythm?
3. What clinical data would lead you to believe this complication could occur?
4. What data are you going to give to the provider?
5. What orders do you expect to get?
6. What nursing actions do you need to take and why?
7. What are some of the etiologies of this dysrhythmia?