The nurse is suctioning a patient's endotracheal tube and observes sinus bradycardia on the patient's electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor. What should the nurse do next?
Explanation
•The patient's heart rhythm changed to sinus bradycardia because of the Valsalva response from prolonged suctioning. The nurse should stop suctioning, administer oxygen if needed, and wait to continue suctioning until the patient's heart rate has stabilized.
•Atropine is for symptomatic bradycardia only.
•Elevating the head of bed will not increase the patient's heart rate.