ATI ECG and Dysrhythmia Monitoring

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ECG monitoring, dysrhythmias, management, and procedures related to cardiac care.

What are the primary uses of Electrocardiography (ECG)?

Diagnosis of dysrhythmias, chamber enlargement, myocardial ischemia, injury or infarction, and monitoring effects of electrolyte imbalances or medication administration.

What is telemetry in cardiac monitoring?

Telemetry allows the client to ambulate while maintaining proximity to the monitoring system.

What are some types of dysrhythmias?

Sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, AV blocks, atrial fibrillation, ventricular asystole, PACs, PVCs, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

What client presentations may indicate the need for ECG monitoring?

Cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, hypoxia, acid-base imbalances, electrolyte disturbances, kidney failure, liver or lung disease, pericarditis, drug or alcohol use, hypovolemia, and shock.

What are some preprocedure considerations for ECG monitoring?

Position the client supine with chest exposed, wash skin to remove oils, clip hair, and attach electrodes.

In ECG monitoring, what are manifestations of dysrhythmias during the intraprocedure phase?

Chest pain, decreased level of consciousness, shortness of breath, and hypoxia.

What is the purpose of determining the heart rate during ECG monitoring?

To assess if the heart rate is regular or irregular and to measure PR, ST, and QT intervals for consistency and abnormalities.

What are the differences between cardioversion and defibrillation?

Cardioversion is a synchronized direct countershock to the heart, while defibrillation is an unsynchronized shock to stop electrical activity and reset the SA node.

What is the treatment of choice for symptomatic clients with atrial dysrhythmias?

Cardioversion is the treatment of choice for symptomatic clients with atrial dysrhythmias, SVT, and VT with a pulse.

What are potential complications of cardioversion?

Embolism resulting in pulmonary embolism, cerebral vascular accidents, myocardial infarction, and decreased cardiac output or heart failure.

What precautions should be taken prior to elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation?

Clients must receive adequate anticoagulation for at least 3 weeks prior to prevent dislodging thrombi into the bloodstream.