Monitoring the patient with supraventricular dysrhythmias

Supraventricular dysrhythmias are abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart caused by ectopic impulses originating from the SA node, atria, and AV junction. Certain electrocardiographic characteristics facilitate identification of these dysrhythmias. Supraventricular dysrhythmias are not as dangerous as ventricular dysrhythmias, but they may affect the patient's cardiovascular function significantly. The effects of supraventricular dysrhythmias on the patient are physiologic--those relating to changes in cardiac output and cardiac workload--and psychological--those relating to the patient's perception of the sensations associated with the dysrhythmia. The nurse plays an important role in the care of patients with supraventricular dysrhythmias. Nursing functions include prompt identification and appropriate management consistent with the medical and nursing plans, alleviation of anxiety, and patient education.