EKG

Question 1

What is the first step in analyzing an EKG strip for heart rhythm?

Answer 1

Assess the regularity of the rhythm by measuring the distance between consecutive R waves.

Question 2

How is a rhythm determined to be regular?

Answer 2

If the distance between each R wave is the same or varies by less than 0.12 seconds.

Question 3

What defines an irregular rhythm on an EKG strip?

Answer 3

The distance between R waves varies by more than 0.12 seconds.

Question 4

What is the significance of the R-R interval in heart rhythm analysis?

Answer 4

The R-R interval should vary by less than 0.16 seconds for a rhythm to be considered regular.

Question 5

In normal sinus rhythm, how many P waves should be present before each QRS complex?

Answer 5

One P wave.

Question 6

What is the heart rate range for normal sinus rhythm?

Answer 6

60 to 100 bpm.

Question 7

Describe the six-second method for calculating heart rate.

Answer 7

Count the number of complete QRS complexes in a six-second strip and multiply by 10.

Question 8

What is the normal PR interval in a normal sinus rhythm?

Answer 8

0.12 to 0.20 seconds.

Question 9

What is the normal duration of a QRS complex in normal sinus rhythm?

Answer 9

Less than 0.12 seconds.

Question 10

What does the QT interval measure, and what is its normal range?

Answer 10

Measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave; normal range is 0.36-0.44 seconds.

Question 11

What does the P wave represent in an EKG strip?

Answer 11

Atrial depolarization.

Question 12

What does the QRS complex represent in an EKG strip?

Answer 12

Ventricular depolarization and contraction.

Question 13

True or False: In Atrial Fibrillation, the rhythm is usually regular.

Answer 13

False.

Question 14

What characterizes Atrial Flutter on an EKG strip?

Answer 14

Recurring, regular, sawtooth-shaped flutter waves.

Question 15

What is the typical atrial rate in Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 15

350-600 bpm.

Question 16

In Atrial Flutter, what is the atrial rate range?

Answer 16

200-350 bpm.

Question 17

How do P waves appear in Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 17

Replaced by chaotic, fibrillatory waves; no discernable P waves.

Question 18

What are the potential symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 18

• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Syncope
• Dyspnea
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Pulmonary edema

Question 19

What is the primary goal of intervention in Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 19

Controlling the ventricular rate and preventing stroke.

Question 20

What medications are commonly used for rate control in Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 20

• Beta-blockers
• Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
• Digitalis
• Amiodarone

Question 21

What does the clinical significance of Sinus Bradycardia entail?

Answer 21

SA node fires at a rate less than 60 beats/minute.

Question 22

What interventions might be necessary for Sinus Bradycardia?

Answer 22

• Atropine
• Pacemaker
• Stopping offending drugs

Question 23

What are the common causes of Sinus Bradycardia?

Answer 23

• Carotid sinus massage
• Valsalva maneuver
• Hypothermia
• Increased intracranial pressure

Question 24

What is the typical management for Sinus Arrhythmia?

Answer 24

Typically, no intervention is needed unless the patient is symptomatic.

Question 25

What should be assessed alongside the EKG rhythm to evaluate clinical significance?

Answer 25

The patient's clinical status.

Question 26

What is the role of anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation management?

Answer 26

To prevent thromboembolism.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Each small block on the EKG paper represents _______.

Answer 27

0.04 seconds.

Question 28

True or False: The clinical status of the patient should not influence treatment decisions.

Answer 28

False.

Question 29

Answer 29

ASYSTOLE HEART RATE - 0 BPM ATRIAL HEART RHYTHM - NONE VENTRICULAR HEART RHYTHM - NONE P WAVE - NO P WAVES PR INTERVAL - N/A QRS COMPLEX - ABSENT TREATMENT - CPR

Question 30

Answer 30

VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION HEART RATE - UNABLE TO ASSESS ATRIAL HEART RHYTHM - N/A VENTRICULAR HEART RHYTHM - IRREGULAR P WAVE - NO P WAVES PR INTERVAL - N/A QRS COMPLEX - UNABLE TO ASSESS (“VFIB” WAVES PRESENT) TREATMENT - DEBRILLATION (HINT: DEFIB VFIB)

Question 31

what rhythm is this ? Describe the… heart rate heart rhythm P WAVE PR INTERVAL QRS COMPLEX TREATMENT

Answer 31

VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA HEART RATE - > 100 BPM ATRIAL HEART RHYTHM - N/A VENTRICULAR HEART RHYTHM - USUALLY REGULAR P WAVE - NO P WAVES PR INTERVAL - N/A QRS COMPLEX - WIDE QRS DURATION (>0.12 SECONDS, OR GREATER THAN 3 SMALL BOXES), CONSISTENT APPEARANCE OF QRS COMPLEXES TREATMENT- VT WITH A PULSE IS TREATED WITH CARDIOVERSION OR ANTIARRHYTHMICS. VT WITHOUT A PULSE REQUIRES DEFIBRILLATION.

Question 32

what rhythm is this ? DESCRIBE THE… HEART RATE HEART RHYTHM P WAVE PR INTERVAL QRS COMPLEX TREATMENT

Answer 32

SINUS BRADYCARDIA ATRIAL HEART RHYTHM - REGULAR VENTRICULAR HEART RHYTHM - REGULAR P WAVE - PRESENT UNIFORM APPEARANCE, ONE P WAVE PER QRS COMPLEX PR INTERVAL - 0.12-0.20 SECONDS (3-5 SMALL BOXES) QRS COMPLEX - UNIFORM APPEARANCE, DURATION <0.12 SECONDS (3 SMALL BOXES) TREATMENT - TREATMENT OF ASYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA IS NOT NECESSARY. FOR SYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDE ATROPINE OR A PACEMAKER.