Dysrhythmias and Lesser Vascular Disorders

Dysrhythmias : disturbance in heart rate or rhythm

Types of dysrhythmia
a. supraventricular: sinus, atrial, and junctional

• sinus tachycardia
• sinus bradycardia
• sinus arrhythmia
• premature atrial complexes
• atrial tachycardia
• atrial flutter
• atrial fibrillation
• premature junctional complex
• junctional tachycardia

b. ventricular dysrhythmias

• premature ventricular contraction
• ventricular tachycardia
• ventricular fibrillation
• asystole
• atrioventricular block:
• first degree A-V block (no treatment)
• second degree A-V block (no treatment)
• third degree A-V block

Nursing interventions

Supraventricular dysrhythmias

• asymptomatic – no nursing interventions indicated
• symptomatic
• administer medications as ordered
• provide emotional support
• teach client regarding medications and side effects, to wear dysrhythmia identification jewelry

Ventricular dysrhythmias

• administer medications as ordered
• monitor hemodynamic indicators as ordered
• administer oxygen as ordered
• provide a restful environment
• prepare the client for cardioversion
• initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation as indicated
• provide emotional support
• teach client reagarding medications and side effects, importance of dysrhythmia identification jewelry

atrio-ventricular (AV) conduction disturbances

• asymptomatic: no nursing interventions indicated
• symptomatic
• administer medications as ordered
• prepare client for pacemaker insertion
• care of the client undergoing surgery
• provide emotional support
• provide a restful environment