Rate & Basics
This is the normal pacemaker of the heart.
What is SA node
Irregularly irregular rhythm, no visible P waves.
Atrial Fibrillation
Wide, early, bizarre beat with no P wave.
PVC
PR interval >0.20 but all beats conducted.
What is first-degree AV block?
Stable AFib with rapid rate → first medication.
What is a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker?
Regular rhythm, P before every QRS, rate 60–100.
NSR
Sawtooth flutter waves.
Atrial Flutter
Wide complex tachycardia with a pulse.
Ventricular Tachycardia
PR gets longer, then one beat drops.
What is Wenckebach (Mobitz I)?
Unstable tachycardia WITH pulse → treatment.
What is synchronized cardioversion?
Rate >100 bpm with normal conduction.
Sinus Tachycardia
Very fast, narrow complex tachycardia from above ventricles.
What is SVT?
“Twisting of the points” polymorphic rhythm.
What is torsades de pointes?
Constant PR with sudden dropped QRS.
What is Mobitz II?
No pulse + chaotic rhythm → treatment.
Defibrillator
Rate <60 bpm with normal conduction.
Sinus Bradycardia
Early abnormal P wave followed by normal QRS.
What is a PAC?
Chaotic rhythm with no cardiac output.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
Atria and ventricles beat independently.
What is third-degree (complete) heart block?
Drug used for symptomatic bradycardia.
Atropine
Each large box equals this many seconds.
What is 0.20 seconds?
Major complication of atrial fibrillation.
What is stroke
First treatment for pulseless VT or VF.
What is defibrillation?
Treatment for symptomatic complete heart block.
What is a pacemaker?
Three signs of instability requiring immediate intervention.
Hypotension, chest pain, altered mental status, shock, or acute HF? (any 3)