Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

A rhythm with regular P-P and R-R intervals, a normal P wave before each QRS, and a rate below 60 bpm is classified as?

1. Atrial fibrillation

2. Sinus bradycardia

3. Sick sinus syndrome

4. Normal sinus rhythm

The correct answer is: Sinus bradycardia

A rhythm characterized by regular P-P and R-R intervals, the presence of a normal P wave before each QRS complex, and a heart rate below 60 beats per minute (bpm) is classified as sinus bradycardia. This condition indicates that the heart is beating more slowly than normal, yet is still functioning in a regular manner. In sinus bradycardia, the sinus node, which is responsible for initiating each heartbeat, is still effectively firing, as evidenced by the normal P waves that precede each QRS. The fact that the intervals are regular further supports the diagnosis, as it rules out more chaotic rhythms. A rate below 60 bpm is a defining feature of bradycardia, distinguishing it from normal sinus rhythm, which typically presents with heart rates between 60 and 100 bpm. Understanding the implications of heart rate is crucial in patient care; while bradycardia can be a normal finding in well-conditioned athletes, in other patients, it may require further assessment to rule out underlying issues.