Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

A sinus rhythm at a rate of 48 beats per minute is classified as what?

1. Tachycardia

2. Normal sinus rhythm

3. Bradycardia

4. Arrhythmia

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

A sinus rhythm at a rate of 48 beats per minute is classified as bradycardia. Bradycardia is defined as a slower than normal heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute in adults. In this situation, since the heart rate is below that threshold, it falls within the classification of bradycardia. Normal sinus rhythm typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Therefore, a heart rate of 48 beats per minute cannot be considered normal. Tachycardia, characterized by a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, does not apply here because the rate is significantly lower. Arrhythmia refers to any irregularity in the heart rhythm, which is not indicated in a regular sinus rhythm despite the slower rate. In this case, the slow but steady heartbeat aligns with the definition of bradycardia.