A provider prescribes an EKG for a patient with a rapid heartbeat. What condition does this patient likely have?

The correct answer is tachycardia, which is defined as an abnormally fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. When a provider prescribes an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) for a patient experiencing a rapid heartbeat, they are likely investigating tachycardia as a potential condition. This is relevant because tachycardia can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, heart conditions, or overactive thyroid function, and identifying the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

In contrast, the other terms refer to conditions associated with abnormal heart rates that are not consistently linked to a rapid heartbeat. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, while bradypnea signifies slow breathing. Bradycardia is characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Therefore, these options do not connect with the scenario of a rapid heartbeat that warrants an EKG.