Which priority assessment finding would you expect with sinus tachycardia?

• A. Anxiety
• B. Orthopnea
• C. Restlessness
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (C)

Sinus tachycardia is a fast heart rate with a normal rhythm, often a compensatory response to increased demand or decreased stroke volume. The priority finding is related to perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. When the heart beats quickly, filling time shortens and cardiac output can become inadequate for the brain, leading to restlessness. That restlessness is an early, objective cue that cerebral perfusion may be compromised and warrants prompt assessment and intervention.

Anxiety can accompany tachycardia but is more subjective and not a direct sign of perfusion status. Orthopnea points toward fluid overload and heart failure, typically with dyspnea when lying flat. Shortness of breath can occur with tachycardia but does not as clearly indicate the immediate perfusion change reflected by restlessness.