How does the heart rate typically present in junctional escape rhythms?

In junctional escape rhythms, the heart rate is typically characterized by a range between 40 and 60 beats per minute. This is because junctional escape rhythms occur when the heart's normal pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, fails to initiate impulses. In the absence of SA node activity, the bundle of His or the junctional tissue takes over as the pacemaker, usually firing at a lower intrinsic rate than the SA node.

The correct choice reflects that a heart rate between 60 and 100 bpm is not typical for junctional escape rhythms, as this range is generally seen in more normal heart rates where the SA node is functioning properly. It can also lead to confusion because other heart rhythms can present with rates in that range. Junctional rhythms, however, typically fall below that threshold due to the nature of the junctional pacemakers.

Understanding this helps clarify the differences between various types of rhythms and their heart rates in clinical scenarios.