EKG Basics
What is the normal PR interval?
0.12-0.20 seconds
A HR of 50 bpm with no symptoms means you should...?
Monitor
What diagnostic procedure tells if a tumor is benign or malignant?
Biopsy
What diet modification is typically recommended in heart failure?
What’s the first action in asystole?
Call code + start CPR (no electricity)
What part of the EKG represents ventricular depolarization?
QRS complex
After adenosine is given for SVT, what rhythm might you briefly see?
Asystole or flatline (brief pause)
Why should a cancer patient avoid crowds and fresh flowers?
They may be neutropenic → at risk for infection
What imaging study confirms an ejection fraction?
Echocardiogram
A patient in A-fib develops sudden unilateral weakness. What’s going on?
Stroke
What’s the normal rate for SA node pacing?
60-100 bpm
What med is given for symptomatic bradycardia?
Atropine
What should you teach a patient about alopecia during chemo?
Temporary, may come back different, sunblock, scarf/wig before hair loss
What is the normal ejection fraction?
Greater than 50%
A 28-year-old patient arrives in the ER complaining of sudden, rapid heartbeats and dizziness. The monitor shows a regular, narrow complex tachycardia at 190 bpm. The patient is alert and has a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg. You have already tried vagal maneuvers without success. What is your next best step in management?
Which part of the conduction system is the heart’s primary pacemaker?
SA Node
What’s the danger of giving beta-blockers to a patient with asthma?
Can cause bronchospasm
What PPE rule applies when caring for a patient receiving brachytherapy? Mention 4
Wear dosimeter badge, stay 6 ft away, limit visitors to 30 min, no pregnant women/kids near
Which side of heart failure causes peripheral edema and JVD?
A 60-year-old patient presents with a heart rate of 38 beats per minute, dizziness, and hypotension (BP 80/50). The EKG shows sinus bradycardia. The patient becomes increasingly lethargic and confused. What is your immediate nursing action?
Administer atropine 0.5 mg IV and prepare for possible transcutaneous pacing if atropine is ineffective.
What’s the max normal QRS duration?
< 0.12 seconds
What’s the first step for stable SVT?
Vagal maneuvers
What are two common signs of cancer from the CAUTION acronym?
Change in bowel/bladder habits
A sore that doesn’t heal
Unusual bleeding/discharge
Thickening/lump
Indigestion/difficulty swallowing
Obvious change in wart/mole
Nagging cough/hoarseness (any two)
Left-sided heart failure causes what classic lung symptom?
Crackles / pulmonary edema
A patient suddenly develops torsades de pointes. What medication do you expect to give?
Magnesium