ABSTRACT
Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for cardiac rate and rhythm to be monitored. Monitoring is used to detect a change in clinical condition, to assist assessment and responses to therapy in real time. A normal adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Electrocardiogram monitoring provides a tracing of the cardiac conduction system. Lead II provides the best view and should be used as the default setting for monitoring. To interpret a cardiac rhythm, nurses will need to print a rhythm strip. Cardiac pacing involves the use of percussion pacing, transcutaneous or transvenous. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) has a rapid ventricular rate and P waves are absent. Polymorphic VT may be caused by hypokalaemia and/or hypomagnesaemia, cerebrovascular accident and certain anti-arrhythmic drugs. Patients with a tachyarrhythmia must be assessed using the A–E approach. Synchronised cardioversion is the treatment for unstable patients with a tachyarrhythmia.
