Driving in the Slow Lane: Bradycardias and Heart Blocks

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Electrical impulses travel through the conduction system much like a highway system through the heart. When a portion of the conduction system is damaged, impulses take different routes and detours. Understanding the foundational pathophysiology behind bradycardias and heart blocks allows us to anticipate complications and provide excellent care for our patients. Restoring normal rates and rhythms can improve our patients’ quality of life and allow them to keep driving into the future.

Objectives

Describe two pathological conditions that can result in slow dysrhythmias.
Differentiate between the various types of heart block.
Identify two treatments for slow heart rhythms.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for 0.00 contact hours.

Disclosure

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.