A nurse knows that common cardiac problems or concerns precipitating paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) include which of the following?

Explanation

• Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) is bouts of tachycardia caused by abnormalities in the atrioventricular (AV) node, and is associated with excess alcohol consumption, stress or extreme emotions, caffeine ingestion, hyperthyroidism, digitalis toxicity, hypokalemia, coronary artery disease, myocardial infaction (MI), cardiomyopathy, or cor pulmonale (right ventricular enlargement due to a pulmonary hypertension). Atrial tachycardias include sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter.

• Hyperkalemia and hypoxia are more likely to result in sinus bradycardia.

• Sinus bradycardia may result from various diseases such as hypothyroidism, and obstructive jaundice.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!