Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following are common causes of tachycardia?

1. I, III

2. I, II, III

3. I, II, III, IV

4. II, IV

The correct answer is: I, II, III

Tachycardia, characterized by an elevated heart rate, can result from various underlying factors, each impacting the body's cardiovascular response differently. In this context, understanding the common causes contributing to tachycardia is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Among the possible causes, the presence of anxiety and stress can lead to an increased heart rate due to the body's fight-or-flight response. As stress hormones like adrenaline are released, heart rate increases as a physiological response. Fever is another significant contributor. The body raises its temperature to fight off infection, and an increase in metabolic rate is often accompanied by tachycardia as the heart works harder to meet the body’s heightened demands for oxygen and nutrient delivery. Anemia is also associated with tachycardia. In this condition, there is a decreased red blood cell count, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. To compensate, the heart rate increases in an attempt to deliver sufficient oxygen to the tissues. Lastly, hyperthyroidism causes elevated levels of thyroid hormones, which can increase the heart rate by enhancing metabolism and stimulating the heart directly. Given these associations, recognizing that anxiety and stress, fever, anemia, and hyperthyroidism can all contribute to tachycardia presents a comprehensive understanding