| Rhythm | atrial—regular ventricular—irregular |
| Rate | atrial—within normal limits ventricular—slower than atrial but may be within normal limits |
| P wave | normal |
| PR interval | constant for conducted beats |
| QRS complex | within normal limits; absent for dropped beats (shaded area) |
- Observe the cardiac rhythm for progression to a more severe block.
- Evaluate the patient for correctable causes such as ischemia.
- Reduce myocardial oxygen demands by keeping the patient on bed rest and administering oxygen.
- If the patient has no serious signs or symptoms, monitor him continuously, keeping a transcutaneous pacemaker attached to him or in the room. Prepare him for transvenous pacemaker insertion.
- If the patient has serious signs or symptoms, administer drugs as ordered and use transcutaneous pacing until a transvenous pacemaker is placed.