AACCN ECG MODULE 2 LESSON 2:
ATRIAL DISRHYTHMIAS QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2026
Premature Atrial Contraction Answer- - beat occurs earlier than expected
- originates outside SA node
- p wave cannot be determined
Nonconducted PAC Answer- - p wave occurs earlier than expected
- impulse not transmitted thru AV node and rest of conduction system
- results in no QRS after P wave
- results in noncompensatory pause
Causes of PAC's Answer- - caffeine
- alcohol
- amphetamines
- anxiety
- fever
- fatigue
- MI
- conditions that stretch or incr atrial pressure
Clinical Consequences of PAC Answer- - not usually dangerous by themselves
- indicates atria are irritable and more serious atrial dysrhythmia could develop
Patient mgmt of PAC Answer- - no tx needed unless sx of decr CO
- may occur if nonconducted PAC's become more frequent and lower ventricular rate
Supraventricular Tachycardia Answer- - 100-250 bmp
- impulse starts above ventricles
- normal QRS
ATRIAL DISRHYTHMIAS QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2026
Premature Atrial Contraction Answer- - beat occurs earlier than expected
- originates outside SA node
- p wave cannot be determined
Nonconducted PAC Answer- - p wave occurs earlier than expected
- impulse not transmitted thru AV node and rest of conduction system
- results in no QRS after P wave
- results in noncompensatory pause
Causes of PAC's Answer- - caffeine
- alcohol
- amphetamines
- anxiety
- fever
- fatigue
- MI
- conditions that stretch or incr atrial pressure
Clinical Consequences of PAC Answer- - not usually dangerous by themselves
- indicates atria are irritable and more serious atrial dysrhythmia could develop
Patient mgmt of PAC Answer- - no tx needed unless sx of decr CO
- may occur if nonconducted PAC's become more frequent and lower ventricular rate
Supraventricular Tachycardia Answer- - 100-250 bmp
- impulse starts above ventricles
- normal QRS
