EKG Ch 10

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to emergency situations in EKG technology and patient care.

MI

Myocardial Infarction, a type of heart attack where blood flow to the heart is blocked.

ST Segment

A portion of the EKG that can indicate heart damage if depressed or elevated.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to organs or tissues, which can lead to tissue damage.

Cardiac Catheterization

A procedure to diagnose and treat heart conditions by inserting a catheter into a blood vessel.

NSTEMI

Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, a type of heart attack without ST segment elevation.

Lethal Dysrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to death if not treated immediately.

EKG Technician

A healthcare professional who performs electrocardiograms and monitors heart rhythms.

Third-Degree Heart Block

A complete block in the electrical conduction system of the heart.

Ventricular Tachycardia

A fast heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, often requiring immediate intervention.

Ventricular Fibrillation

A chaotic heart rhythm that results in ineffective pumping of the heart.

Asystole

A state of no electrical activity in the heart, leading to no heartbeat.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

A medical service that provides urgent care and transportation during emergencies.

Code Blue

A hospital emergency code indicating a patient is in cardiac arrest.

Oxygen Therapy

The administration of oxygen to improve oxygenation of tissues during respiratory distress.

Aspirin

A medication often given during heart attacks to thin the blood and prevent clotting.

Nitroglycerin

A medication that relaxes and dilates coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart.

Bag Valve Mask (BVM)

A device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and can deliver shocks if necessary.

F.A.S.T.

A mnemonic to recognize stroke symptoms: Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke, often warning of a future stroke.

CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident, commonly known as a stroke, due to interrupted blood flow to the brain.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, an emergency procedure to maintain blood flow and oxygen in a person in cardiac arrest.

Duty to Notify

The obligation of an EKG technician to inform the appropriate authorities in case of an emergency.

ST Segment Depression

A decrease in the ST segment seen on EKG, indicating possible ischemia.

ST Segment Elevation

An increase in the ST segment on EKG, often indicating a STEMI.

Emergency Codes

Standardized phrases used in healthcare settings to indicate specific emergencies.

Vasovagal Syncope

A sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure leading to fainting, often triggered by stress.

Patient Observation

Monitoring the patient's condition and signs continuously during an emergency.

Dysrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat that can disrupt normal heart function.

Patient Safety

Practices aimed at preventing harm to patients during medical care.

Health Facility Policies

Regulations established by healthcare organizations to manage emergency situations.

Triage

The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.

Conscious Patient Protocol

Care procedures for patients who are alert and able to respond during an emergency.

Unconscious Patient Protocol

Care procedures for patients who are not responsive during a medical emergency.

Signs of Cardiac Emergency

Indications such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and changes in EKG patterns.

Current EKG Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of a patient’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities.

Emergency Preparation

The readiness of healthcare staff and facilities to handle emergency situations efficiently.

Natural Disasters Response

Specific actions and protocols healthcare facilities follow during disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes.

Emergency Drills

Regular training exercises that simulate emergency situations for staff preparedness.

Patient Information Collection

Gathering crucial details about a patient during emergencies, such as medical history and medications.

Medical History

A record of a patient’s previous health conditions and treatments that may influence emergency care.