American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

What is the condition described as sinus arrest, sinoatrial exit block, and bradycardia, and often treated with a pacemaker?

1. Atrial fibrillation

2. Sick sinus syndrome

3. Cardiac arrest

4. Heart block

The correct answer is: Sick sinus syndrome

Sick sinus syndrome is characterized by a group of heart rhythm disorders that arise from a malfunction of the sinus node, the heart's natural pacemaker. This condition can manifest as sinus arrest, sinoatrial exit block, and bradycardia. In sick sinus syndrome, the heart typically has an intermittent failure in the pacing function of the sinus node, leading to pauses in the heartbeat (sinus arrest) and conditions where the impulse fails to properly exit the sinus node (sinoatrial exit block). These disruptions can result in bradycardia, which is an abnormally slow heart rate. The treatment often involves implanting a pacemaker to help maintain an adequate heart rate and rhythm, compensating for the irregularities due to the dysfunctional brisk pacing of the heart. This allows for better hemodynamics and symptom relief for patients who typically present with fatigue, palpitations, or syncope. In contrast, conditions like atrial fibrillation are defined by a rapid and irregular heart ratio not primarily linked to the dysfunction of the sinoatrial node. Cardiac arrest refers to the cessation of effective heart function, requiring immediate resuscitation, while heart block pertains to delays or complete blocks in the conduction system of the heart unrelated to