EKG Artifact
Define artifact.
any interference with the recording of the EKG tracing.
This is a rare heart condition that causes the heart to be on the right side of the chest, rather than the left.
dextrocardia
The upward and downward movements on the EKG strip are called ____.
waves
How do you determine the heart rate using the 6 second method?
The tech counts the number of complete QRS complexes in a 6 second section and multiplies that number by 10.
The pacemaker of the heart is known as:
sinoatrial node
List 3 ways to reduce a somatic tremor.
-position pt with hands under buttocks
-place limb electrodes on the torso
-give pt a blanket if they are shivering
-reassure anxious/nervous pts
What are 4 reasons why electrodes might need to be placed in alternate spots?
-dextrocardia, limb amputation/injury, medical implants (pacemaker), large breasts, pediatric patients, posterior EKG, pregnancy past 6th month
The term _____ is used to describe the shape and direction of waves, complexes, and segments.
morphology
What can be used to measure different EKG intervals and complexes?
Calipers
Where is the P wave located?
right before every QRS complex
List 3 ways in which electrical interference can be eliminated.
-turning off other electrical appliances
-changing the outlet
-do not use extension cords
-making sure the machine is properly grounded (3 prong)
-turn off fluorescent lights
Where do you place electrodes in a pediatric pt that is under 2 years old?
right sided EKG (same as dextrocardia)
The _____ is the first positive deflection (upward movement) in the complex.
P wave
What is the normal range for a PR interval?
0.12-0.20 seconds
Why is the QT interval important?
It represents the cycle of depolarization and repolarization of the ventricles.
What might cause wandering baseline artifact reading on an EKG?
-irregular breathing
-body hair is preventing electrode contact
-oils/lotion preventing electrodes from sticking
-lead wires are stretched
-pt is very thin
Where do you place electrodes for a pediatric pt that is 2-12 years old?
same placement except for V4- place on right side of chest in 5th intercostal space at midclavicular line
The _____ is made up of 3 waves. First negative deflection, next positive deflection, and the next negative deflection.
QRS complex
How many seconds does a large block on the EKG paper represent?
0.20 seconds
Even though EKG interpretation and diagnosis are the responsibilities of the provider, why is understanding heart rhythms helpful for EKG techs?
generate high quality tracings and recognize emergency situations
If artifact is happening, the outer layer of dead skin cells can be removed by gently rubbing or _____ the skin.
abrading
If a pt has orthopnea, what position should they be placed in for a EKG?
semi-fowler's (45 degrees)
This comes after the QRS complex and shows ventricular repolarization (ventricles relax).
T wave
In order to determine HR using the large block method, what must the EKG tech do?
Find 2 consecutive R waves and count the number of large blocks between them. Each large block corresponds to a HR.
What are the 6 steps in analyzing an EKG?
1) Determine HR in bpm.
2)Check the rhythm for regularity.
3)Note the presence or absence of identical P waves before each QRS interval.
4) Measure the duration of the PR interval.
5) Measure the duration of the QRS complex.
6) Identify the rhythm.