Which option best describes the effect of oversensing?

Oversensing occurs when a cardiac device, such as a pacemaker, detects signals that are not related to the heart's electrical activity, which can lead to the device misinterpreting the actual heart rhythms. When this happens, the pacemaker may think the heart is functioning normally and fail to deliver pacing when it is actually needed. This can result in improper pacing intervals, meaning that the pacing may not occur as required to maintain adequate heart function, potentially leading to periods of bradycardia (slow heart rate) or missed beats.

This concept is particularly important in the context of patient management, as ensuring the pacemaker accurately senses the heart's needs is crucial for effective therapy and prevents negative outcomes such as syncope or heart failure. Understanding how oversensing impacts pacing intervals helps healthcare professionals identify and troubleshoot issues with pacing devices, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient safety and care.