Name That Rhythm
Irregularly irregular rhythm, no P waves, narrow QRS
What is A-fib?
This dysrhythmia often shows a pulse deficit (apical ≠ radial)
What is atrial fibrillation?
Afib is often associated with this structural heart problem
What is hypertension or heart failure?
Patients with Afib are at highest risk for this complication.
What is stroke?
The first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia.
What is atropine?
Sawtooth flutter waves with 2:1 conduction
What is atrial flutter?
Sudden onset palpitations and “pounding in the neck”
What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
Hypomagnesemia and QT-prolonging drugs cause this rhythm.
What is torsades de pointes?
Frequent PVCs may deteriorate into this lethal rhythm.
What is ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation?
The first-line drug for SVT.
What is adenosine?
Wide QRS at 180 bpm, pulseless
What is ventricular tachycardia (pulseless VT)?
Syncope and hypotension from severe bradycardia
What is 3rd degree (complete) heart block?
This electrolyte imbalance is most associated with U waves and can trigger PVCs.
What is hypokalemia?
Untreated atrial flutter carries the same risk as Afib:
What is stroke/systemic embolism?
The definitive treatment for VF or pulseless VT.
What is defibrillation?
Chaotic wavy baseline, no QRS complexes, pulseless
What is ventricular fibrillation?
“Skipped beats” or chest thump sensation
What are premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?
Hyperkalemia progression: peaked T → widened QRS → sine wave →
What is ventricular fibrillation/asystole?
Complete heart block untreated may lead to this intervention.
What is a pacemaker?
The first-line treatment for torsades de pointes
What is IV magnesium sulfate?
Polymorphic VT with twisting QRS, prolonged QT
What is torsades de pointes?
This rhythm always presents pulseless and unresponsive.
What is asystole?
This condition is the most common underlying cause of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
What is myocardial infarction (ischemia)?
Ventricular fibrillation, if untreated, leads to this outcome.
What is death (cardiac arrest)?
This is the treatment of choice for unstable SVT when adenosine is ineffective or contraindicated.
What is synchronized cardioversion?