Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

A sinus rhythm with a rate of 48 is classified as?

1. Tachycardia

2. Bradycardia

3. Normal sinus rhythm

4. Sinus arrest

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

A sinus rhythm with a rate of 48 beats per minute is classified as bradycardia. Bradycardia is defined as a slower than normal heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute in adults. It can occur due to various factors, including increased vagal tone, certain medications, or underlying health conditions affecting the heart's electrical system. In this context, the specific characteristics of a sinus rhythm—where the electrical impulses originate from the sinoatrial node and the rhythm remains regular—are preserved, but the slower rate indicates that the individual is experiencing bradycardia. Recognizing bradycardia is important in clinical practice, as it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, depending on the severity and the underlying cause.