A patient is admitted with an accelerated junctional rhythm of 96. Which of the following may be contributing to this arrhythmia?

Enhance your proficiency with the Telemetry Certification Test. Utilize engaging quizzes crafted with flashcards and multiple choice questions, offering detailed explanations. Boost your readiness!

Accelerated junctional rhythm occurs when the heart's intrinsic rate at the junctional level exceeds the normal range, often seen in situations where the atrioventricular (AV) junction takes over as the pacemaker due to a variety of underlying factors. In the context of this question, digoxin toxicity is a significant contributor to such arrhythmias.

Digoxin, a medication used primarily to treat heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias, can lead to toxicity when blood levels become excessive. This toxicity may disrupt the normal conduction pathways of the heart, leading to junctional rhythms or other arrhythmic presentations. Consequently, patients may experience accelerated junctional rhythms as a result of digoxin's effects on the myocardium and the autonomic nervous system.

While conditions such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and excessive exercise can influence heart rhythms and potentially contribute to arrhythmias as well, the specific association of digoxin toxicity with accelerated junctional rhythms makes it the most relevant option in this scenario. Digoxin toxicity is well-known for causing alterations in heart rhythm, including junctional rhythms, thus establishing it as a prime suspect in the occurrence of this specific arrhythmia.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy