ECG Fundamentals
This cardiac structure normally initiates the electrical impulse and sets the rhythm.
What is the sinoatrial (SA) node?
This rhythm originates in the SA node, follows the normal conduction pathway, and requires no treatment when the patient is well.
What is normal sinus rhythm?
In early impulse from irritated atrial tissue that follows the usual conduction pathway produces this beat.
What is a premature atrial contraction (PAC)?
This rapid rhythm begins above the ventricles and may start and stop abruptly.
What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
This atrial dysrhythmia has chaotic atrial impulses and an irregularly irregular ventricular rhythm.
What is atrial fibrillation?
This ECG wave represents atrial depolarization.
What is the P wave?
These organized, rapid atrial deflections replace distinct P waves in atrial flutter.
What are flutter waves?
An SA node rate below 60 beats per minute identifies this sinus rhythm.
What is sinus bradycardia?
An early beat arising in ventricular tissue produces this ectopic beat.
What is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC)?
A stable patient with SVT may first be asked to cough or bear down as part of this noninvasive intervention.
What is a vagal maneuver?
A six-second strip contains nine QRS complexes. This is the estimated heart rate.
What is 90 beats per minute?
Every P wave leads to a QRS, but the PR interval is consistently prolonged. This is the conduction finding.
What is first-degree heart block?
Ineffective atrial contraction permits blood to pool and form clots, creating a heightened risk of this neurologic event.
What is a stroke?
A heart rate of 118 beats per minute with a regular rhythm and one consistent P wave before each QRS is this rhythm.
What is sinus tachycardia?
This medication can briefly slow conduction and reset SVT when prescribed for an appropriate patient.
What is adenosine?
This interval runs from the start of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex and reflects conduction toward the ventricles.
What is the PR interval?
A patient with sinus bradycardia at 52 beats per minute is alert and has normal blood pressure. This is the appropriate nursing approach.
What is continued assessment and monitoring?
A stable patient with frequent PVCs should have these two electrolytes reviewed for a possible contributing imbalance.
What are potassium and magnesium?
A stable patient in atrial fibrillation at 130 beats per minute may receive a prescribed calcium channel blocker for this treatment goal.
What is ventricular rate control?
An SVT rate of 210 with BP 68/40, pallor, and near-syncope calls for preparation for this urgent procedure.
What is synchronized cardioversion?
A patient with chest pressure has new elevation of this ECG segment above the baseline, a finding that requires urgent evaluation.
What is the ST segment?
This procedure delivers an electrical shock timed to the R wave to restore a more effective rhythm.
What is synchronized cardioversion?
A patient taking metoprolol develops sinus bradycardia at 40 beats per minute, BP 78/46, and confusion. This medication may be prepared as prescribed while the causative drug is held.
What is IV atropine?
A patient with PVCs reports this combination of symptoms, which is more concerning than an isolated skipped-beat sensation.
What are lightheadedness, chest pain, or shortness of breath?
A patient has sinus tachycardia after repeated vomiting, dry mucous membranes, and low blood pressure. This prescribed intervention addresses the likely underlying cause.
What are IV fluids?