THE NCLEX CHANNEL

{ Cardiology 1.5 - Heart Blocks}

Session Objectives:

· Objective 1 - Reviewed the pathophysiology of heart blocks.

· Objective 2 - Identified ECG characteristics of the different types of heart blocks.
· Objective 3 - Recognized signs and symptoms of heart blocks.
· Objective 4 - Addressed the nursing and medical interventions for the different types of heart
blocks.

Points of Emphasis:

· Point 1- Heart blocks are a specific type of dysrhythmia where conduction from the atria to the
ventricles is slowed or blocked.
· Point 2- There are three types of heart blocks (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree) with 2nd degree having two
types (Mobitz 1 and 2).
· Point 3- The client’s response to the heart block determines their treatment.
· Point 4- Most heart blocks are the result of previous cardiac issues or heart blocks lead to
worsening cardiac issues, such as MI or HF.
· Point 5- 2nd and 3rd degree heart blocks typically need pacing or an internal pacemaker to help
manage the client’s rhythm and symptoms.

References:

Hinkle, J. L., & Cheever, K. H. (2018). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing (14th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

Lewis, S. L., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M. M., & Harding, M. M. (2017). Medical-surgical nursing:
Assessment and management of clinical problems (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Morton, P. G., & Fontaine, D. K. (2018). Critical care nursing: A holistic approach (11th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

Arnoldussen, B., Burckhardt, J. A., Dobish, B., Finesilver, C., Gardner, P., Irwin, B. J., Mahoney, E., &
Redemske, M. (2018). NCLEX-RN® content review guide: Preparation for the NCLEX-RN® examination
(6th ed.). New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.