After an AWMI, which complication is specifically monitored for that may require a temporary pacemaker?

After an AWMI, which complication is specifically monitored for that may require a temporary pacemaker?

• A. AV block
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Pericardial effusion
• D. Ventricular tachycardia

Answer: (C)

Conduction disturbances after a myocardial infarction are a key concern because ischemia of the electrical system can slow or block impulses. A high-grade AV block can cause significant bradycardia and hypotension, which jeopardizes perfusion. In this situation, a temporary transvenous pacemaker is used to maintain an adequate heart rate and stable rhythm while the infarct-related conduction tissue recovers or until a longer-term pacing solution is determined. Atrial fibrillation is a rapid, irregular rhythm that is managed with rate or rhythm control and sometimes anticoagulation; pacing is not the primary treatment. Pericardial effusion, on the other hand, can lead to tamponade and would be managed with pericardiocentesis and supportive care rather than pacing. Ventricular tachycardia is a dangerous fast rhythm treated with defibrillation and antiarrhythmics, not pacing as the main intervention.

Conduction disturbances after a myocardial infarction are a key concern because ischemia of the electrical system can slow or block impulses. A high-grade AV block can cause significant bradycardia and hypotension, which jeopardizes perfusion. In this situation, a temporary transvenous pacemaker is used to maintain an adequate heart rate and stable rhythm while the infarct-related conduction tissue recovers or until a longer-term pacing solution is determined.

Atrial fibrillation is a rapid, irregular rhythm that is managed with rate or rhythm control and sometimes anticoagulation; pacing is not the primary treatment. Pericardial effusion, on the other hand, can lead to tamponade and would be managed with pericardiocentesis and supportive care rather than pacing. Ventricular tachycardia is a dangerous fast rhythm treated with defibrillation and antiarrhythmics, not pacing as the main intervention.