The nurse is reviewing a patient's electrocardiogram (EKG) strip and notes the following: Heart rate of 68, regular rhythm, P waves normal in size and shape, PR interval 0.24 seconds and constant, QRS 0.08 seconds. What will the nurse document for the interpretation of the patient's EKG?

Explanation

•The EKG shows what is best described as a sinus rhythm with a first-degree block. The rate is regular with a PR interval that is greater than 0.20 seconds and constant, and with QRS complexes 0.10 seconds or less.

Incorrect options:

•Second-degree AV block type I (also called Wenckebach or Mobitz type I) has more P waves than QRS complexes and the PR interval increases with each beat until a P wave appears without an accompanying QRS complex.

•A normal sinus rhythm has a PR interval of 0.20 seconds or less.

•In second-degree AV block type II (also called Mobitz type II), the PR intervals are prolonged but remain constant and the QRS complexes are usually wide.

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