ECG Basics
This waveform represents atrial depolarization.
What is the P wave?
A sinus rhythm with a heart rate below 60 bpm.
What is sinus bradycardia?
This medication is commonly given for symptomatic sinus bradycardia.
What is atropine?
This AV block has a prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds
What is First-Degree AV Block?
The priority nursing assessment for any patient with a dysrhythmia is evaluating this.
What is cardiac output/hemodynamic stability?
This ECG complex represents ventricular depolarization.
What is the QRS complex?
This dysrhythmia has no identifiable P waves and an irregularly irregular rhythm.
What is atrial fibrillation?
The first step in treating sinus tachycardia is to do this.
What is treat the underlying cause?
This AV block has constant PR intervals with sudden dropped QRS complexes.
What is Second-Degree AV Block Type II (Mobitz II)?
These three common symptoms occur because atrial fibrillation decreases cardiac output.
What are palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness/lightheadedness?
The normal PR interval is this length.
What is 0.12–0.20 seconds?
Three or more PVCs occurring consecutively define this rhythm.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
Patients with atrial fibrillation often receive this therapy before cardioversion to reduce stroke risk.
What is anticoagulation?
In this rhythm, the atria and ventricles beat independently.
What is Third-Degree (Complete) Heart Block?
The major complication of untreated atrial fibrillation is this neurologic emergency.
What is a stroke?
This interval measures ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
What is the QT interval?
This lethal rhythm appears chaotic and requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia requires these two immediate interventions.
What are CPR and defibrillation?
This rhythm originates in the AV junction and usually has a rate of 40–60 bpm.
What is a junctional rhythm?
When caring for a patient receiving heparin for atrial fibrillation, the nurse should institute these two safety precautions.
What are bleeding precautions and fall precautions?
When interpreting an ECG, these are the first two things you should determine.
What are heart rate and rhythm regularity?
In this heart block, the PR interval progressively lengthens until a QRS complex is dropped.
What is Second-Degree AV Block Type I (Mobitz I/Wenckebach)?
This treatment is the definitive therapy for symptomatic complete heart block.
What is pacing (temporary or permanent pacemaker)?
Patients with symptomatic second-degree Type II or third-degree AV block frequently require this intervention.
What is temporary pacing (transcutaneous pacing)?
Before elective cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, this test is performed to rule out atrial thrombi.
What is a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?