Pauses and Interpolated PVCs in EKG Interpretation

Pauses can be seen on an EKG following a PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction) or PAC (Premature Atrial Contraction). What are these pauses called? What is an interpolated PVC?

a) Sinus arrest:

An interpolated PVC is an extra beat occurring between two normal beats.

b) Junctional rhythm:

An interpolated PVC is a skipped beat.

c) Sinus bradycardia:

An interpolated PVC is a delayed beat.

d) Ventricular escape rhythm:

An interpolated PVC is an early beat.

Final Answer: Thus the correct option is a) Sinus arrest: An interpolated PVC is an extra beat occurring between two normal beats.

Explanation: Following a Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) or Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC), the pauses seen on an EKG are typically called "sinus arrest." During these pauses, the normal rhythm originating from the sinus node is interrupted. An interpolated PVC, on the other hand, is an extra beat that occurs between two normal beats. It is not a skipped beat (ventricular escape rhythm) or a delayed beat (sinus bradycardia). Instead, it represents an additional beat in the heart's rhythm that does not disrupt the regular sequence of beats.

References: Sinus arrest, EKG interpretation, and arrhythmias in medical literature.