Exam 1 Flashcards
(63 cards)
What is the normal range for the PR interval?
0.12 to 0.20 seconds
This range indicates the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel from the atria to the ventricles.
What is the normal range for the QRS complex?
<0.10 seconds
A normal QRS complex duration indicates proper ventricular depolarization.
What is the normal range for the QT interval?
<0.44 seconds
The QT interval reflects the time from the onset of ventricular depolarization to the end of repolarization.
What are the characteristics of sinus rhythm?
- Atrial and ventricular rates of 60-100 bpm
- P waves are present and consistent
- P waves are in a 1:1 ratio with QRS complexes
- PR interval between 0.12-0.20 seconds
- QRS complexes are consistently spaced
Sinus rhythm is the normal rhythm of the heart.
What defines sinus tachycardia?
- Atrial and ventricular rates of >100 bpm
- Regular rhythm
- P waves are in a 1:1 ratio with QRS complexes
- PR interval 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, QRS <0.10 seconds
Treatment for sinus tachycardia depends on the underlying cause.
What are the symptoms of sinus bradycardia?
- Syncope
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Hypotension
- Diaphoresis
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Treatment for symptomatic bradycardia includes atropine.
What are premature atrial contractions (PACs)?
- Ventricular rate of 60-100 bpm
- P wave and PR interval may vary
- Early beats initiated by the atrium
PACs can be asymptomatic or cause palpitations.
What characterizes atrial fibrillation?
- Rate may be normal or rapid
- P waves are not identifiable
- PRI is undeterminable
- QRS <0.10 seconds
- Irregularly irregular
Treatment includes rate control and anticoagulation.
What are the treatment options for atrial flutter?
- Correct rhythm and rate
- Similar methods as atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter is characterized by a fast and regular atrial rate.
What defines premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?
- Atrial and ventricular rates of 60-100 bpm
- Regular rhythm (excluding PVC)
- Unifocal vs Multifocal
Unifocal PVCs originate from the same area, while multifocal vary in appearance.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
- Ventricular rate of >140 bpm
- No P waves
- Wide and bizarre QRS complexes
Treatment differs if the patient has a pulse or not.
What are the characteristics of ventricular fibrillation?
- Indiscernible rate
- No identifiable P, QRS, or T waves
This is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
What does asystole indicate?
No electrical activity
Requires assessment using 2 leads to confirm.
What are the characteristics of supraventricular tachycardia?
- Atrial and ventricular rate of 100-280 bpm
- Regular rhythm
- P waves and PR interval indiscernible
Treatment includes beta blockers and vagal maneuvers.
What are the nonmodifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease?
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
Men over 45 and women over 55 are at increased risk.
What are the modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease?
- Smoking
- Inactivity
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
Addressing these factors can significantly reduce risk.
What is stable angina?
- Chest discomfort with exertion
- Pain is reproducible and relieved by rest
Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and education.
What distinguishes unstable angina from stable angina?
- Chest pain may occur at rest
- Associated with temporary vessel occlusion
- May show T wave inversion or ST depression
Troponin levels are usually normal in unstable angina.
What are the characteristics of myocardial infarction?
- Complete deprivation of O2 to heart
- STEMI shows ST elevation and + troponin
- NSTEMI shows no ST elevation and + troponin
Immediate intervention is critical for patient survival.
What is the purpose of a stress test?
- Assesses myocardial perfusion changes with exertion
Can be done via exercise or pharmacologic methods.
What is the significance of the ankle-brachial index (ABI)?
ABI of <0.9 is diagnostic of peripheral artery disease (PAD)
This test compares blood pressure in the ankle with that in the arm.
What are the 6 P’s of ischemia?
- Pain
- Pallor
- Pulselessness
- Paresthesia
- Paralysis
- Poikilothermia
These symptoms help in assessing ischemic conditions.
What is MONA in the context of acute coronary syndrome treatment?
- Morphine
- Oxygen
- Nitroglycerin
- Aspirin
This acronym helps remember the initial treatment steps for ACS.
What is the role of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in ACS?
Stops thrombus formation
Examples include abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban.