Interpret the following rhythm:
A) Atrial flutter with variable conduction
B) Ventricular fibrillation
C) Atrial fibrillation
D) Atrial flutter with RVR (rapid ventricular response)

Question

Interpret the following rhythm: 
A) Atrial flutter with variable conduction 
B) Ventricular fibrillation 
C) Atrial fibrillation 
D) Atrial flutter with RVR (rapid ventricular response)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atrial flutter arises from a single irritable focus in the atria.The atrial focus fires at an extremely rapid,regular rate,between 240 and 320 beats per minute.The P waves are called flutter waves and may have a sawtooth appearance.The ventricular response may be regular or irregular based on how many flutter waves are conducted through the AV node.The number of flutter waves to each QRS complex is called the conduction ratio.The conduction ratio may remain the same or vary depending on the number of flutter waves that are conducted to the ventricles.The description of atrial flutter might be constant at 2:1,3:1,4:1,5:1,and so forth,or it may be variable.Because this patient's rhythm has varying P waves for each QRS,the ventricular conduction (rate)varies from 2:1 to 6:1.Atrial flutter with RVR occurs when atrial impulses cause a ventricular response greater than 100 beats per minute.Atrial fibrillation arises from multiple ectopic foci in the atria,causing chaotic quivering of the atria and ineffectual atrial contraction.

Interpret the Following Rhythm