Atrial Arrhythmias

Question 1

Premature atrial contractions (PAC)

Answer 1

Rate: that of underlying rhythm

Rhythm: irregular d/t PACs

P wave: P wave of PAC is early and may be distorted

PR interval: usually .12 - .20 seconds

QRS: less than or = to .12 seconds

Question 2

Atrial Tachycardia (SVT)

Answer 2

Rate: > 160 bpm

Rhythm: regular

P wave: usually HIDDEN in preceding T wave

PR interval: if present .12 to .20 seconds

QRS: less than or = to .12 seconds

Question 3

Multifocal atrial tachycardia

Answer 3

Rate: > 100 bpm

Rhythm: regular or irregular

P wave: vary in size, shape and direction; one P wave precedes each QRS

PR interval: .12 - .20 seconds

QRS: less than or = to .12 seconds

Question 4

Atrial fibrillation

Answer 4

Rate: varies

Rhythm: irregular

P wave: fibrillation waves

PR interval: NOT MEASUREABLE

QRS: less than or = to .12 seconds

Question 5

Atrial flutter

Answer 5

Rate: varies (250-350 bpm)

Rhythm: regular or irregular

P wave: SAW TOOTHED

PR interval: not measurable

QRS: less than or = to .12 seconds