Basic cardiac arrhythmias: a review for postanesthesia care unit nurses

Nurses in PACUs care for a variety of patients who may have or who are at risk for arrhythmias. Surgical trauma and anesthesia may exacerbate underlying heart disease and promote arrhythmias. This article reviews the basic cardiac conduction system and gives a brief description and illustration of both normal and ectopic rhythms. Nursing interventions and common pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are discussed. Through accurate detection and prompt interventions, nurses may contribute significantly to lower morbidity and mortality in the PACU.