First Degree Heart Block

What is a heart block?  In this lesson, we are going to go over a first degree heart block and look at some causes and risk factors for developing this cardiac dysrhythmia.  We will also look at the appearance of a first degree heart block on a cardiac rhythm strip. Finally, we will review priority nursing interventions and medical treatments along with potential complications the condition can progress to.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the electrical pathway through the heart
2. Discover causes and risk factors for developing a first degree heart block
3. Recognize signs and symptoms of a first degree heart block
4. Realize potential complications of first degree heart block
5. Interpret first degree heart block on a rhythm strip