EKG 1
What does EKG stand for?
Electrocardiogram
What is the QRS complex?
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization and is the most visually prominent part of an EKG.
What is the purpose of the EKG rhythm strip?
The EKG rhythm strip provides a continuous recording of the heart's electrical activity, helping to identify arrhythmias.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood effectively.
What does a negative T wave indicate?
A negative T wave may indicate myocardial ischemia or other heart conditions.
What is the purpose of an EKG?
To measure the electrical activity of the heart and identify any irregularities
What does ST elevation indicate?
ST elevation can indicate a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other serious heart conditions.
What is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia characterized by a rapid and regular beating of the atria.
What is a stress test?
A stress test involves monitoring the heart's activity during physical exercise or induced stress to identify potential heart problems.
How does an EKG help monitor heart rate during surgery?
An EKG continuously monitors the heart's electrical activity, allowing for immediate detection of any changes in heart rate or rhythm during surgery.
Name one common arrhythmia that can be detected by an EKG.
Atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
Describe the significance of the T wave.
The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, the process during which the ventricles recover after contraction.
What does a flat line on an EKG indicate?
A flat line indicates asystole, which means there is no electrical activity in the heart.
What does the term "lead placement" refer to?
Lead placement refers to the specific locations on the body where electrodes are attached to obtain accurate EKG readings.
Name a medication that can affect heart rhythm.
Antiarrhythmic medications, beta-blockers, or certain antidepressants can affect heart rhythm.
What is the normal heart rate range for adults?
60-100
How many leads are typically used in a standard EKG?
A standard EKG uses 10 leads.
Explain the meaning of the term "precordial leads."
Chest leads v1-v6
What does the term "artifact" refer to in EKG readings?
Artifact refers to any distortion in the EKG signal caused by external factors, such as movement or poor electrode contact.
Name a lifestyle factor that can affect EKG results.
Factors such as exercise, stress, caffeine intake, medications and smoking can affect EKG results.
Explain what the P wave represents in an EKG reading.
The P wave represents atrial depolarization, indicating the electrical activity that causes the atria to contract.
What is a Holter monitor?
A Holter monitor is a portable device used to continuously monitor the heart's rhythms for 24 hours or longer.
Explain the difference between a 12-lead EKG and a single-lead EKG.
A 12-lead EKG provides a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity from multiple angles, while a single-lead EKG records the activity from one viewpoint.
What is the significance of the R-R interval?
The R-R interval is used to measure ventricle heart rate and assess the regularity of the heart rhythm.
Patient should be instructed to do which of the following?
bathe prior to sceduled appointment
wear loose clothes
continue normal routine
keep a daily journal
avoid removing electrides