Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the typical atrial rate in atrial tachycardia?

1. 50-100 bpm

2. 100-150 bpm

3. 150-200 bpm

4. 200-250 bpm

The correct answer is: 100-150 bpm

In atrial tachycardia, the typical atrial rate ranges from 100 to 150 beats per minute. This elevated rate occurs due to a disruption in the normal electrical conduction pathways of the atria, leading to rapid firing of electrical impulses. The heart is trying to compensate for this increased activity, resulting in the elevated heart rates observed in patients experiencing this condition. An atrial rate below 100 beats per minute indicates a slower rhythm, which is not characteristic of atrial tachycardia. Meanwhile, rates above 150 beats per minute, while they could reflect more severe forms of tachycardia or other arrhythmias, exceed the typical range for atrial tachycardia itself. Thus, the answer highlighting the atrial rate between 100 and 150 bpm accurately represents the hallmark of this cardiac condition.