When reviewing a cardiac rhythm strip, the respiratory therapist ...

[eruditmonkey@yahoo.com]

When reviewing a cardiac rhythm strip, the respiratory therapist notices that there are three large boxes between two QRS complexes. Approximately what is this patient's heart rate?
 
  a. 60
  b. 75
  c. 100
  d. 150

Question 2

A 50-kg (110-lb) 30-year-old female patient has myasthenia gravis. Bedside spirometry has found her VC to be 700 mL and NIF 14 cm H2O.
 
  Vital signs show a respiratory rate of 38 breaths/min, a heart rate of 140/minute, and blood pressure of 130/90 mm Hg. What should the respiratory therapist recommend?
  a. Check the vital signs every hour.
  b. Encourage DB&C per protocol.
  c. Administer supplemental oxygen per protocol.
  d. Initiate mechanical ventilation per protocol.

[kswal303]

Answer to Question 1

C
Approximate heart rate can be determined by dividing the number of large boxes between QRS complexes on the rhythm strip into 300 . Therefore, 300 divided by 3 = 100 bpm for a heart rate.

Answer to Question 2

D
Based on the VC and NIF results, ventilatory failure is impending. Mechanical ventilation should be initiated.