What can suggest the presence of arrhythmias in a patient?

The presence of arrhythmias in a patient is indicated by irregular heart rhythms and changes in heart rate. Arrhythmias refer to any deviations from the normal rhythmic pattern of the heart, which can manifest as skipped beats, rapid or excessively slow heart rates, or abnormal patterns of electrical activity. These irregularities can be detected through monitor readings, which might show variations such as variability in the intervals between beats or unexpected rates of beats that do not conform to the established normal ranges.

In contrast, options that describe a consistent heart rate and rhythm, normal blood pressure readings, or healthy respiratory function do not suggest arrhythmias. A stable and predictable heart rhythm usually indicates normal cardiac function, while normal blood pressure and respiratory function are indicators of overall health but do not specifically reflect the electrical activity of the heart that is characterized by arrhythmias. Thus, observing irregularities in rhythm and heart rate is the key factor in detecting possible arrhythmias.