6: EKG Interpretation

Question 1

Rate and regularity is measured by counting _____.

Answer 1

Rate and regularity is measured by counting the number of QRS Complexes.

Question 2

What are 2 ways to count the QRS Complexes for measuring rate and regularity?

Answer 2

Count the QRS Complexes in 2 of the 3-second areas (6 seconds total) and multiply x 10.
Number sequence (300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50). Find a QRS Complex that falls on a dark line. The next dark lines represents 300, then 150, and so on. Count down until you find the next QRS Complex, which represents the heart rate.

Question 3

The number sequence for QRS Complexes (300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50) has what limitation?

Answer 3

It can be used for regular rhythms only.

Question 4

Regularity of a heart rate is determined by looking at which portion of the EKG?

Answer 4

QRS Complex only

Question 5

What do you consider in P Wave morphology?

Answer 5

Are there P Waves?
Is there 1 P Wave for every QRS Complex?
Are their shapes all the same?

Question 6

How do you assess the PR Interval?

Answer 6

How long is it?
Is it within normal limits?
Are all intervals the same length?
If different lengths, look for a pattern.

Question 7

How do you assess the QRS Complex?

Answer 7

What are their shapes?
Are they all the same?
Are they within normal limits?
How wide are they?
Note R-wave progression, amplitude, and axis (12-lead EKG only).

Question 8

How do you assess ST Segment morphology?

Answer 8

Flat or sloping?

Is it isoelectric (baseline), elevated, or depressed?

Question 9

How do you assess T Wave morphology?

Answer 9

What is the shape?

Is it even, flat, pointed, biphasic, or inverted?

Question 10

T/F The QT Interval can change with time or medication use.

Answer 10

True