Wednesday, June 29, 2011

NCLEX Exam Practice Question of the Week 06/29

Elsevier NCLEX Exam Review
Question: The nurse is reviewing an electrocardiogram rhythm strip. The P waves and QRS complexes are regular. The PR interval is 0.16 second, and QRS complexes measure 0.06 second. The overall heart rate is 64 beats/min. Which of the following would be a correct interpretation based on these characteristics?

1. Sinus bradycardia
2. Sick sinus syndrome
3. Normal sinus syndrome
4. First-degree heart block



Answer: 3

Rationale: Normal sinus rhythm is defined as a regular rhythm, with an overall rate of 60 to 100 beats/min. The PR and QRS measurements are normal, measuring 0.12 to 0.20 second and 0.04 to 0.10 second, respectively.

Test-taking Strategy: A baseline knowledge of normal electrocardiographic measurements is needed to answer this question. Focusing on the data in the question and recalling the characteristics of normal sinus rhythm will direct you to option 3. Review this content if you are unfamiliar with it.

Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process--Assessment
Content Area: Adult Health--Cardiovascular
Reference: Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, M. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered care (6th ed., p 775). St. Louis: Saunders.


This week’s NCLEX exam practice question came from:
Silvestri: Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination, 5th edition Chapter 60, pg 823, question 699

Check out other great NCLEX exam review resources from Elsevier!

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