Telemetry
This primarily detects arrhythmias and continuously monitors the heart rate
What is telemetry monitoring?
What rhythm has regular P waves before each QRS?
NSR
What’s the first thing you do if a patient is found unresponsive and pulseless?
Call for help, begin CPR, start chest compressions
What drug reduces preload by promoting fluid loss, helping to relieve symptoms in heart failure?
Diuretics
What is the purpose of a cardiac pacemaker?
To maintain adequate heart rate when the heart’s own conduction system fails
Why is it important to check telemetry lead placement at the start of each shift?
To ensure accurate rhythm monitoring and avoid artifact
Which rhythm is irregularly irregular with no visible P waves?
Atrial Fibrillation
Which rhythm is treated with synchronized cardioversion if unstable: SVT or VFib?
SVT (VFib is defibrillated)
Before giving nitroglycerin for chest pain, what thing must you check?
Blood pressure
What should you check on your patient’s telemetry if they have a permanent pacemaker?
Pacing spikes followed by appropriate heart depolarization (capture)
What should your first nursing action be if the telemetry alarm shows ventricular tachycardia?
Assess the patient immediately
Check responsiveness and pulse
What rhythm is characterized by a "saw-tooth" pattern?
A-flutter
When treating symptomatic bradycardia, what is the first-line medication?
Atropine
Why are beta blockers used in HFrEF?
They reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, improving survival
If your patient’s ICD fires, what is your first nursing action?
Assess the patient’s responsiveness, pulse, and symptoms.
Name two things you must document about telemetry each shift.
Rhythm interpretation
PR interval
QRS interval
Wide, bizarre QRS complexes with a rate >100 describes which rhythm?
Ventricular Tachycardia
What are the "first 5" things you should do if the patient is found unresponsive?
Check pulse
Call Code Blue
Start CPR
Manage Airway
Defib if needed
What is your nursing priority if a patient on a dobutamine drip develops new palpitations and tachycardia?
Notify provider immediately; continuous telemetry is critical due to risk of arrhythmias
Why is it important to have emergency equipment (like a defibrillator) readily available for patients with cardiac devices?
Because patients with pacemakers or ICDs can still develop lethal arrhythmias