Rules for Premature Atrial Contraction
Regularity: Since this is a single ectopic beat, the underlying rhythm will be irregular
Rate: The rate depends on the rate of the underlying rhythm.
P WAVE: There will be a P wave in front of every QRS. The P wave of the premature beat will look different than that of the other P waves in the rhythm.
PRI: Should measure between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds in duration. PRI of the premature beat is usually different than that of the underlying rhythm.
QRS: Measures less than 0.12 seconds.
Normal Sinus w/ PAC