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    Sinus Arrhythmia/dysrhythmia Resembles Normal Sinus Rhythm

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    Melissa
    This document summarizes different types of sinus dysrhythmias including bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and sinus arrest. For each type, it describes the etiology, physical assessment findings, and general treatment approach. The treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, treating symptoms like low blood pressure or cardiac output, and in some cases using drug therapies or a pacemaker. The document provides an overview of sinus dysrhythmias for medical professionals.

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    Sinus Arrhythmia/dysrhythmia Resembles Normal Sinus Rhythm

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    Melissa
    37 views2 pages
    This document summarizes different types of sinus dysrhythmias including bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and sinus arrest. For each type, it describes the etiology, physical assessment findings, and general treatment approach. The treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, treating symptoms like low blood pressure or cardiac output, and in some cases using drug therapies or a pacemaker. The document provides an overview of sinus dysrhythmias for medical professionals.

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    Sinus Dysrhythmias: Etiology, Physical Assessment, and Treatment

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    chart_38-5

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    This document summarizes different types of sinus dysrhythmias including bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and sinus arrest. For each type, it describes the etiology, physical assessment findings, and general treatment approach. The treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, treating symptoms like low blood pressure or cardiac output, and in some cases using drug therapies or a pacemaker. The document provides an overview of sinus dysrhythmias for medical professionals.

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    37 views2 pages

    Sinus Arrhythmia/dysrhythmia Resembles Normal Sinus Rhythm

    Uploaded by

    Melissa
    This document summarizes different types of sinus dysrhythmias including bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and sinus arrest. For each type, it describes the etiology, physical assessment findings, and general treatment approach. The treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, treating symptoms like low blood pressure or cardiac output, and in some cases using drug therapies or a pacemaker. The document provides an overview of sinus dysrhythmias for medical professionals.

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    CHART 385

    Dysrhythmia Sinus bradycardia

    Sinus Dysrhythmias: Etiology, Physical Assessment, and Treatment


    Etiology Decreased sympathetic tone, or anatomic changes Hypothermia Drugs, such as morphine, digoxin, verapamil, and some sedatives Toxins Vagal stimulation, as with vomiting or Valsalva maneuver Hypothyroidism Infectious diseases Acidosis Hypovolemia Hypo/hyperkalemia Hypoglycemia Cardiac tamponade Tension pneumothorax Thrombosis: coronary and/or pulmonary Trauma Increased intracranial pressure Normal conditions: sleeping and a wellconditioned athletes heart Physical Assessment Pulse: Less than 60 beats per minute and typically regular. Blood pressure (BP): Lower than usual if for pathological conditions. If cardiac output is decreased, the following clinical manifestations may occur: Angina Syncope Generalized weakness Dizziness Shortness of breath. Altered mental state may be present, although rare. Treatment Treat only if symptomatic. Treatment is typically instituted when syncope and/or alteration in consciousness occurs. If symptomatic, it means there is a significant drop in cardiac output. Attempt to identify and treat the cause. Assess for changes in vital signs. Observe for other dysrhythmias. With poor perfusion, typical treatment includes: Oxygen IV access Drug therapy (atropine) Epinephrine or dopamine Pacemaker evaluation.

    (continued)

    CHART 385
    Dysrhythmia Sinus tachycardia

    Sinus Dysrhythmias: Etiology, Physical Assessment, and TreatmentContinued


    Etiology Exercise Smoking Alcohol Caffeine Cocaine Fever Blood loss/anemia Hypovolemia Early sepsis Hypermetabolic state, e.g., burn injury Heart failure Allergic reactions Emotions Anxiety Pain Decreased PSNS Increased SNS stimulation Drug side effect of many over-the-counter cold drugs and drugs used to treat asthma and sinus conditions Compensatory response to a decreased cardiac output Common and normal finding, especially in children and young adults Pathological causes include underlying cardiac disease, such as sick sinus syndrome and myocardial infarction Digoxin Factors that cause heart rate variability including exercise, mental stress, and circadian rhythms Hypoxemia Cardiac muscle ischemia Damage to the SA node Digoxin Aspirin Abnormal potassium levels Myocardial infarction Vagal dominance Hypersensitive carotid sinus reflex, e.g., tight shirt collar Physical Assessment Pulse: Greater than 100 beats per minute. BP: Lower than normal. If cardiac output is decreased, the following clinical manifestations may occur: Angina Syncope Generalized weakness Dizziness Shortness of breath. Altered mental state may be present, although rare. Treatment Treat only if symptomatic. Attempt to identify and treat the cause. Treatment may include: Drug therapy, such as beta-adrenergic blockers, adenosine, diltiazem, and digoxin Carotid massage/vagal maneuvers Cardioversion Anxiety medications Fluid replacement. If causes are identified and managed, generally the rhythm converts back to NSR.

    Sinus arrhythmia/ dysrhythmia

    Pulse: irregular.

    Not treated unless the bradycardic phase causes clinical manifestations described under bradycardia. Atropine for bradycardia. Provide reassurance that this rhythm is not dangerous, but it needs to be evaluated to rule out more serious dysrhythmias.

    Sinus arrest

    Pulse: irregular. BP: Lower than normal depending on number of pauses per minute. If cardiac output is decreased, the following clinical manifestations may occur: Angina Syncope Generalized weakness Dizziness Shortness of breath. Altered mental state may be present, although rare.

    Treat only if patient is symptomatic and/or condition is complicated by other dysrhythmias. Ascertain and treat cause, if possible. Typical treatment may include permanent or temporary artificial pacemaker for repeated episodes, depending on the prognosis, age, and presence of clinical manifestations.

    Source: Adapted from American Heart Association. (2006). Handbook of emergency cardiovascular care for healthcare providers. Dallas, TX: Author.

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