Nursing Interventions: Arrhythmias

1. Document any arrhythmias in a monitored patient.
2. Notify the doctor if a change in pulse pattern or rate occurs in an unmonitored patient.
3. As ordered, obtain an ECG tracing in an unmonitored patient to confirm and identify the type of arrhythmia present.
4. Be prepared to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if indicated, when a life threatening arrhythmia occurs.
5. Administer medication as ordered, monitor for adverse effect, and perform nursing interventions related to monitoring vital signs, hemodynamic monitoring, and appropriate laboratory work.
6. Provide adequate oxygen and reduce heart workload while carefully maintaining metabolic, neurologic, respiratory, and hemodynamic status.
7. Evaluate the monitored patient’s ECG regularly for arrhythmia.
8. Monitor for predisposing factors, such as fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and signs of drug toxicity, especially with digoxin.
9. Teach the patient how to take his pulse and recognize an irregular rhythm and instruct him to report alterations from his baseline to the doctor.
10. Emphasize the importance of keeping laboratory and physician’s appointments.