Step two
Determining the regularity of the atrial and ventricular rate is the second step in rhythm analysis. Ventricular regularity is determined by measuring the R-to-R intervals across the entrie strip. If an R-to-R interval on the strip varies by more than three small boxes (0.12 seconds), the ventricular rate is considered irregularity (Huff, 2006). To determine atrial regularity, the nurse should measure the P-to-P intervals across the entire strip. If a P-to-P interval on the strip varies by more than three small boxes, the atrial rate is considered irregular.