Junctional

Question 1

What is the origin of Junctional Rhythm?

Answer 1

Impulse formation near the AV node

The AV node serves as a critical conduction pathway in the heart.

Question 2

What is the heart rate range for Junctional Rhythm?

Answer 2

40 – 60 BPM

This range indicates a slower heart rate, typical for escape rhythms.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of QRS complexes in Junctional Rhythm?

Answer 3

No P wave, inverted P wave, or P wave following the QRS; width within normal values (0.06 - 0.11 seconds); regular R-R intervals

The absence or inversion of P waves is a key feature in identifying junctional rhythms.

Question 4

What is the P Wave characteristic in Junctional Rhythms?

Answer 4

May not be visible or may be negative

The P wave’s visibility is inconsistent in junctional rhythms.

Question 5

What is the PRI in Junctional Rhythm?

Answer 5

Less than 0.12 seconds or not measurable

This implies a disruption in normal conduction pathways.

Question 6

What occurs during an Escape Rhythm?

Answer 6

Occurs when sinus impulse fails to reach AV node; AV node fires as a backup pacemaker; rates of 40 – 60 BPM

This mechanism helps maintain heart function when the primary pacemaker fails.

Question 7

What is a Junctional Escape Beat (JEB)?

Answer 7

Lasts only 1-2 beats

JEBs are brief pauses in the normal rhythm due to backup pacemaker activity.

Question 8

What are Premature Junctional Contractions (PJC)?

Answer 8

Occur when ectopic AV node focus fires faster than SA node; interrupts regular rhythm; occurs earlier than expected R-R interval

PJCs can lead to irregular heart rhythms and may be symptomatic in some patients.

Question 9

What is the QRS Width in Junctional Rhythms?

Answer 9

Within normal values

A normal QRS width suggests that the ventricular conduction is intact.

Question 10

What are the types of Junctional Rhythms?

Answer 10

• Junctional Rhythm: 40 - 60 BPM
• Accelerated Junctional Rhythm: 60 - 100 BPM
• Junctional Tachycardia: Exceeds 100 BPM

These classifications help in diagnosing the severity and type of junctional rhythm.

Question 11

Is the QRS width of a junctional rhythm narrow or wide?

Answer 11

Narrow

A narrow QRS complex indicates normal ventricular depolarization.

Question 12

A rhythm with a narrow QRS complex and no P wave at rates of 37 bpm would be identified as?

Answer 12

Junctional bradycardia

Junctional bradycardia is a specific type of junctional rhythm that indicates a slower heart rate.

Question 13

What HR range does a junctional rhythm fire at as an escape rhythm?

Answer 13

40 – 60 bpm

This is consistent with the heart rate seen in junctional rhythms when acting as a backup.