Which of the following signs and symptoms most likely indicate a patient is experiencing symptomatic bradycardia?

• A. Polyuria and polydipsia
• B. Dizziness and hypotension
• C. Fever and tachypnea
• D. Hypertension and flushed skin

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'symptomatic bradycardia.' Bradycardia refers to a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically less than 60 beats per minute. Symptomatic bradycardia occurs when this slow heart rate leads to symptoms due to insufficient blood flow to the body.
2. Step 2: Analyze the symptoms provided in the options. Symptoms of symptomatic bradycardia are typically related to reduced cardiac output, which can cause dizziness, hypotension (low blood pressure), fatigue, or fainting.
3. Step 3: Rule out unrelated symptoms. For example, polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) are more commonly associated with diabetes or kidney issues, not bradycardia. Fever and tachypnea (rapid breathing) are signs of infection or respiratory distress, not bradycardia. Hypertension and flushed skin are associated with high blood pressure, which is the opposite of hypotension.
4. Step 4: Focus on the symptoms that align with bradycardia. Dizziness and hypotension are directly linked to the reduced cardiac output caused by a slow heart rate, making them the most likely indicators of symptomatic bradycardia.
5. Step 5: Conclude that dizziness and hypotension are the correct signs and symptoms of symptomatic bradycardia, as they are consistent with the physiological effects of a slow heart rate on the body.