Baseline Heart Rate for Temporary Pacemaker Placement

A patient is preparing for a therapeutic procedure involving the placement of a temporary pacemaker. Before the procedure, it is essential for the nurse to assess the patient's vital signs and establish a baseline. The nurse notes the patient's current heart rate is at <blank> beats per minute. In preparation for the procedure, the nurse should monitor the patient closely and have emergency equipment readily available.

Understanding the expected range of heart rates will help the nurse in this scenario. Generally, a normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, with variations depending on age, fitness level, and other factors. It is the nurse's responsibility to not only monitor the heart rate but also communicate any significant deviations from the norm to the healthcare provider prior to the surgical intervention.