Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Arrhythmia

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (352 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

1 Sep 2023

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes

Start This Activity
 
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Activity Description

Three goals should be kept in mind when approaching a patient with suspected cardiac arrhythmia. These include understanding symptoms typically associated with cardiac arrhythmias, deciding whether the patient has potential risks of dying from an arrhythmia, and choosing the correct means of documenting the suspected rhythm disorder. Establishing a probable cause of an arrhythmia refers to the likelihood that an arrhythmia exists and is based on certain symptoms obtained in the history. An in-depth risk assessment is undertaken if there is a reasonable concern that death may be an outcome. This is largely based on a family history of sudden death, evidence of structural heart disease, or, in the case of the primary arrhythmia syndromes, unique ECG abnormalities. Making the diagnosis means documenting the arrhythmia and, in particular, linking it to the patient's symptoms. The best way to do this is to provide some form of ambulatory monitoring that brings the two together. This article outlines the various symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias, and their pathophysiologic basis, provides guidance in making a risk assessment and discusses the various means of reaching the correct diagnosis. It highlights the role of the interprofessional team in caring for patients experiencing arrhythmias.

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Outline the three main goals when approaching the patient with suspected arrhythmia.
  • Explain how sustained low heart rates affect cardiac output and blood pressure, whether due to sinus bradycardia or AV block with rates in the 30 to 50 bpm ranges.
  • Describe how tachyarrhythmias affect blood pressure, particularly those with an abrupt onset and rates exceeding 160 to 180 beats per minute.
  • Summarize the three types of ambulatory monitoring devices and comment on when one might choose one over the other.

Disclosures

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In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

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Reviews

Lauren J. on 1/4/2023

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Emily S. on 1/10/2023

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joy M. on 1/9/2023

Thanks

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Edward J. on 1/15/2023

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christine w. on 1/15/2023

Katie F. on 1/15/2023

I have recently retired as a certified school nurse and completed this CEU to increase my knowledge in a different field of expertise. It was excellent. However, filling out your basic information and eval was difficult due to the wording. As a retired nurse, I am still sharing knowledge, expertise and working with organizations. My practice is no longer with a particular healthcare team.

Debra P. on 1/16/2023

no coment

Sandra O. on 1/18/2023

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lori d. on 1/18/2023

Maria M. on 1/18/2023

Good course

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Madeline M. on 1/30/2023

Lindsay G. on 1/30/2023

thank you very much; very informative

Terrence P. on 1/30/2023

Karen J. on 1/30/2023

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NICOLE H. on 1/30/2023

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Alaina C. on 1/30/2023

Videos and EKG illustrations are heartily welcomed for suspicion of cardiac arrhythmia.

Dung N. on 2/3/2023

Kristen C. on 1/31/2023

Kimberly P. on 1/31/2023

thanks

Julio B. on 1/31/2023

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richard b. on 1/31/2023

Desiree R. on 1/31/2023

It would be helpful if one could click on Figure names to go to figure immediately rather than having to scroll through entire article to see figure references….then have a return to text button to return to where you left to see Figures at end of article. (Mobile device use)

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gracias por el curso

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NUNTA C. on 2/9/2023

Yeah

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Thank

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Lindsey M. on 3/1/2023

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It was very good

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thank you for such life saving information

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This activity was excellent.

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