ECG CHAPTER 26 27 FINAL EXAM REVIEW 1

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

A record or recording of electrical impulses of the heart produced by an electrocardiograph.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve found between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Bicuspid or Mitral Valve

The valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Echocardiography (ECHO)

Use of ultrasonic waves directed through the heart to study its structure and motion.

Pulmonary Vein

Brings oxygenated blood back to the left atrium.

Right Atrium

Receives deoxygenated blood from the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and coronary sinus.

Aortic Valve

Opens to allow blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Diastole

The phase of a cardiac cycle where the heart is at rest and the atria fill with blood.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle that occurs when the heart is contracting.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

The pacemaker of the heart.

Bundle of His

The pathway for electrical impulses which splits into right and left bundle branches.

Polarized State

The resting state of a cardiac cell where the inside is negatively charged compared to the outside.

Repolarized State

The recovery phase after depolarization when the cardiac cell's charge returns to negative.

Deflection

Any movement away from the baseline in the ECG tracing.

Interval

A period of time between two points or events during which many waves can occur.

P Wave

The first deflection in the ECG tracing representing atrial depolarization.

PR Segment

The time between the end of atrial depolarization and the start of ventricular depolarization.

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization and atrial repolarization.

J Point

The point in the ECG where the QRS complex ends and the ST segment starts.

T Wave

Represents ventricular repolarization in the ECG.

PR Interval

Starts at the beginning of the P wave and ends at the start of the Q wave.

Lead Wires

Wires that connect electrodes to an ECG machine.

Electrodes

Single-use disposable adhesive tabs placed on the skin for ECG recordings.

Bipolar Leads

Leads created from measurements of current traveling from a negative pole to a positive pole.

Augmented Leads

Unipolar leads that provide information on the vertical or frontal plane of the heart.

Chest Leads

Unipolar leads placed on the chest that monitor electrical activity in the heart.

ECG Paper

Special heat-sensitive paper used to record ECG tracings.

Chart Speed

The speed at which the ECG paper moves during the recording.

Gain

Regulates the height (amplitude) of the tracing in an ECG.

Somatic Tremor Artifact

Appears as jagged peaks on an ECG due to involuntary movements.

Wandering Baseline Artifact

An upward and downward movement of the waveform reflecting poor skin preparation or electrode issues.

Interrupted Baseline Artifact

Occurs when the tracing looks normal at the beginning but later goes erratic due to interrupted electrical connection.

Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)

Occurs when the atria contract sooner than they should.

Heart Block

A disruption or slowing of the electrical impulse through the heart.

Nuclear Stress Test

Shows blood flow into the heart muscle during rest and activity with a radioactive substance injected.

Cardiac Event Recorder

A portable ECG device activated by the patient when symptoms occur.

Holter Monitor

Monitors the heart over a 24- to 48-hour period during normal activities.

Diastole Phase

The phase when the heart is at rest and the atria fill with blood.

Bachmann's Bundle

Takes the impulse to the left atrium from the SA node.

Isoelectric Line

A straight line in an ECG representing no electrical activity.

Complex

Made up of many waves, such as the QRS complex.

Gain Settings

Controls the height of waves on the ECG tracing.

Electrode Placement

Proper positioning of electrodes on the body for accurate ECG readings.

AC Interference Artifact

Appears as small spikes creating a thick tracing due to electrical interference.

Artifact

Unwanted disturbances on an ECG tracing caused by various factors.

Chemical Burns

Result from exposure to caustic chemical substances.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Include conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke caused by high temperatures.

Frostbite Symptoms

Include pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, and cold skin.

Generalized Onset Seizure

Seizures affecting both sides of the brain at the same time.

First Aid for Seizures

Focuses on the safety of the individual and positioning during a seizure.

Ischemic Stroke

Occurs when arterial blood flow to part of the brain is blocked.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Can include headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.

Anaphylaxis Treatment

Involves administering epinephrine and providing oxygen.

Signs of Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Include angina, upper body discomfort, and shortness of breath.

Defibrillator

Device delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

Epinephrine

A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions and cardiac arrest.

Intraosseous Needle

Used for IV fluids when an IV line cannot be inserted.

CPR for Adults

Involves checking responsiveness, opening the airway, and performing chest compressions.

Burn Classification

Includes first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns based on skin damage.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Include shakiness, confusion, irritability, and sweating.

Standard of Care

Level and type of care expected from a healthcare professional.

Contraindications for Stress Testing

Include smoking and certain medications like Viagra prior to testing.

Echocardiogram

Visual record produced from echocardiography.

AC Interference Causes

Include electrical devices, improperly grounded outlets, and close lead wire placement.

Tachycardia

Heart rate above 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

Heart rate below 60 beats per minute for adults.

Ventricular Depolarization

Represents the transition of electrical impulses through the ventricles.

Patient Consent Form

Document signed by a patient indicating their agreement to a medical procedure.

Burn Treatment Steps

Include cooling the burn, covering it, and monitoring for infection.

Severe Asthma Treatment

Utilizes bronchodilators like epinephrine or albuterol.

EKG vs ECG

Terms referring to the same heart electrical activity recording; ECG is more common in English-speaking contexts.

Electrical Activity on ECG

Represents the heart's depolarization and repolarization phases.

Precordial Leads

Electrodes placed on the chest to monitor heart activity from different angles.

Austin Flint Murmur

A diastolic murmur associated with aortic regurgitation.

Defibrillation

The process of delivering an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Rapid Response Team

Medical team that responds quickly to emergencies in healthcare settings.

Patient Deterioration Signs

Include changes in vital signs, altered consciousness, and acute distress.

Ventricular Tachycardia

A fast heart rate originating from the ventricles.

Atrial Fibrillation

A rapid and irregular heart rhythm originating in the atria.

Stroke Treatment Protocols

Include using the FAST method to identify stroke symptoms and immediate emergency interventions.

Patient Screening Protocols

Include collecting symptoms and history before medical assessment.

Health History Importance

Critical for understanding patient backgrounds and contraindications for treatments.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Is essential in acute and chronic cardiac care.

Non-invasive Monitoring

Refers to techniques like ECG and pulse oximetry used for patient assessment.

Medical Assistant Responsibilities

Include assisting with patient assessments, treatments, and follow-ups.

First Aid Training

Prepares individuals to respond effectively to medical emergencies.

Healthcare Provider Protocol

Guidelines followed by medical staff in emergency situations.

Emergency Response Actions

Include calling for help, providing CPR, and monitoring vital signs.

Wound Infection Prevention

Involves proper cleaning, dressing, and monitoring of wounds.

Oxygen Therapy

Supplemental oxygen given to patients with respiratory distress.

Patient Education Importance

Key for preventive care and compliance with medical advice.

Acute Care Settings

Facilities providing immediate treatment for urgent medical conditions.

Fine Motor Skills Assessment

May include evaluating hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Healthcare Team Collaboration

Essential for effective patient care management.

Patient Charting Requirements

Documentation standards needed for accurate health records.

Vital Signs Monitoring

Critical in assessing a patient's overall health status.

Patient Advocacy Role

Emphasizes supporting patients’ rights and access to healthcare.

Health Promotion Activities

Include education on nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention.

Emergency Preparedness Training

Instructs on how to effectively respond to various emergencies.

Patient Consent Importance

Vital for legal and ethical medical practices.