ECG Lab Slides Flashcards
(31 cards)
Structure of heart.
What is an ECG?
Basic examination to determine the function of the heart.
Describes the electrical activity of the heart
What are some of the thing shown or checked on an ECG?
Basic examination to determine the function of the heart:
Heart muscle ischaemia (myocardial infarction)
Arrhythmias
Conduction disorders
Structural changes in the heart
Electrolyte disturbances
Drug effects
What to know when taking an ECG?
Warm and quiet space
Explain what is happening and guide the patient
The patient is calmly lying down in a supine position
Chest, wrists and ankles should be bare
Check the patient’s identity (name and identity number) and input personal data into the ECG machine
Taking an ECG part 2.
12-lead ECG or are extra leads needed (15-lead ECG)?
ECG electrodes (good skin contact is important!):
Extra body hair is shaved, the skin should not be wet, no watches or jewellery
Clean the skin areas with disinfectant and scrub with abrasive sandpaper
Connect ECG leads to the correct placements
There should not be artefacts in the ECG trace
The patient is lying down relaxed, still and quiet during ECG registration (10 sec)
Interpretation of ECG machine is indicative, the ECG should be shown to the doctor
Nurses must recognise disturbances that require immediate care
ECG is archived electronically (Web Lab)
Common errors in ECG causes by a patients
Muscle tension and movement
Sweaty skin, chills, tremors
Electrodes come off or are poorly attached
Speaking during ECG registration
Limbs touch the metal parts of the bed (bed rails)
Patient monitoring devices or other electronic devices
Common errors in ECG caused by a nurse
Electrodes and leads are misplaced
Poor patient guidance
Busy atmosphere
Incompetence in ECG interpretation
ECG mistake and example photos
Where on the rib to place leads
Extra leads
ECG monitoring.
When a patient requires more intensive monitoring (e.g. for cardiac reasons)
Is used to monitor the rhythm and rate of the heart, other vital signs can also be monitored
Telemetry device is carried by the patient (the patient can walk at the ward)
Not diagnostic leads to take an ECG using an ECG machine.
Components of ECG
ECG Interpretation.
Normal sinus rhythm
Common arrhythmias - Atrial fibrillation.
Common arrhythmias : Atrial flutters.
Common arrhythmias: Supraventricular tachycardia.
Extrasystoles (extra heartbeats)
Extrasystoles: Supraventricular extrasystoles.
Extrasystoles: Ventricular extrasystoles
Resuscitation cardiac rhythm - Ventricular tachycardia
Resuscitation cardiac rhythm - Ventricular fibrillation
resuscitation cardia rhythms - Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
Resuscitation cardiac rhythm - Asystole
