What should a nurse document if an ECG shows an irregular heart rate of 98/min with no clear P waves?

In the context of an ECG showing an irregular heart rate of 98 beats per minute with no clear P waves, documenting it as atrial fibrillation is appropriate due to specific characteristics of this arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by disorganized electrical activity in the atria, leading to a rapid and irregular heart rate. The absence of distinct P waves is a hallmark of this condition, as the atria do not contract effectively but rather quiver, resulting in an irregular rhythm.

In atrial fibrillation, the ventricular response can vary, and while 98 beats per minute is on the higher end of the normal spectrum, it is common for patients to exhibit rates between 100 to 175 bpm. Recording this rhythm correctly is crucial for appropriate management and treatment decisions.

Recognizing the absence of distinct P waves and the irregularity of the heart rate is critical for differentiating atrial fibrillation from other arrhythmias or rhythms that may exhibit similar heart rates. For instance, while supraventricular tachycardia may also present with a rapid heart rate, it typically has distinct P waves and a more regular rhythm. Normal sinus rhythm would have clear P waves, and ventricular fibrillation presents with chaotic, irregular deflections