Which statement best describes idioventricular rhythms?

Idioventricular rhythms are characterized by a heart rate typically being less than 40 beats per minute (bpm), which aligns with the answer provided. This rhythm originates from the ventricles rather than the atria or higher structures of the heart, and because it is a backup rhythm, it often indicates that the heart is not receiving sufficient electrical impulses from the upper chambers.

In terms of other aspects, idioventricular rhythms can indeed display a wide QRS complex, but it is their rate that distinctly categorizes them as slow rhythms, reflecting lower cardiac output during such instances. While some are reversible depending on the underlying cause, idioventricular rhythms can also be persistent in cases of severe bradycardia or complete heart block, making it inaccurate to broadly describe them as easily reversible.

Understanding these rhythms is crucial in clinical practice, as they provide critical insight into the heart's electrical function and may signal a need for immediate medical attention.