EKG Final Review

This set of flashcards encompasses key concepts, terminology, and definitions from the EKG final review lecture notes, designed to aid in mastering the content for an upcoming exam.

Right Bundle Branch Block

Identified by R and r prime in V1 and a QRS duration greater than 0.12.

Left Posterior Hemi Block

Characterized by right axis deviation (RAD), a small R wave in Lead I, and a small Q wave in Lead III.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

Characterized by R > S in V1 and RAD, possibly with an inverted T wave.

Hypercalcemia

Indicated by a shortened ST segment and a short QT interval.

Hypokalemia

Characterized by prominent U waves and flattened T waves.

Anterior Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Indicated by ST elevation and/or significant Q waves in chest leads V3 through V4.

Extensive Anterior MI

Identified by ST elevation and/or significant Q waves in limb leads I, aVL, and chest leads V1 through V6.

Left Axis Deviation (LAD)

Determined by a positive deflection in lead I and a negative deflection in aVF.

Diastasis

Phase of diastole when pressure equalization occurs between the atria and ventricles.

Inverted Reflection on EKG

Observed in lead aVR.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC)

These are beats that originate from irritable ventricular tissue.

First-Degree AV Block

Identified by a consistently prolonged PR interval.

R on T Phenomenon

Occurs when the R wave lands on the T wave of the preceding beat, disrupting repolarization.

Worst Rhythms with R on T Phenomenon

Asystole and Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib).

Right Bundle Branch Block Feature

Noted by RSR prime in V1 with a QRS duration greater than 0.12 seconds.

Normal Axis Quadrants

Range is between 0 and +90 degrees.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Leads

Analyzed using leads V1 or V2 and V5 or V6.

Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Describes QRS complexes that are variable in shape.

Inverted T Waves

May indicate ischemia unless related to a bundle branch block.

Inferior Myocardial Infarction ST Changes

Displayed in leads II, III, and aVF.

Wide Notched P Waves

Indicate left atrial hypertrophy or mitral stenosis.

Second-Degree Mobitz Type II Characteristic

Defined by AV conduction ratio and a consistently wide PR interval.

Anterior Wall Blood Supply

Primarily provided by the Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD).

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Suspicion Measurement

Minimum of >35 mm on EKG.

Left Axis Deviation Quadrants

Between 0 and -90 degrees.

PR Interval Measurement

Time from atrial depolarization to ventricular depolarization.

Ventricular Ejection Phase

Phase of systole where ventricles open and blood moves to the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Oxygen Administration Context

Generally given first in symptomatic individuals.

Superior Vena Cava Function

Returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.

Myocardial Damage Layer

The myocardium is often damaged during a heart attack.

Big Blocks in One Minute

Equal to 30 on EKG paper.

Heart Valve Function

Job is to prevent backflow.

Interventricular Septum

The band of tissue separating the right and left ventricles.

Second-Degree Mobitz Type I Identification

Characterized by progressively longer PR intervals until a beat is dropped.

Primary Coronary Arteries

Includes the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries, and the right coronary artery.

Resting Cardiac Cell Phase

Phase 4 corresponds with the isoelectric line.

PR Ratio in First-Degree AV Block

Maintains a 1:1 ratio.

Calcium Release Phase

Phases 1 and 2 of the action potential correspond with muscle contraction.

P Waves in Proximal Atrial Tachycardia

Described as hidden.

Positively Charged Cell Phase

Phase zero corresponds with the QRS complex.

Contractility Definition

Characteristic of mechanical cardiac cells.

Atrial Fibrillation Cause

Occurs from multiple rapid atrial impulses firing simultaneously.

Accelerated Lower Pacer Cell Definition

Referred to as an upserption.

Junctional Bradycardia Rate

Defined as < 40 beats per minute.

Absolute Refractory Period Depolarization Impulse

No impulse can cause depolarization.

Atrial Flutter Adverse Effect

Results in decreased cardiac output.

Early Ventricular Repolarization Wave

Represented by the T wave.

Junctional Rhythm P Wave Position

Appears behind the QRS complex.

Early Ventricular Repolarization Wave Complex

Represented by the T wave.

Normal PR Interval Measurement

Ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds.

Sodium Bicarbonate Use in Cardiac Arrest

Reduces acidity of blood.

Normal QRS Interval Measurement

Ranges from 0.04 to 0.10 seconds.

Class III Medication Action

Interferes with potassium movement during phase three of the action potential.

EKG Small Square Time Measurement

Equal to 0.04 seconds.

Normal Sinus P Wave Origin

Originates in the SA Node.

Idioventricular Rhythm Characteristics

Regular ventricular beats with QRS > 0.12 seconds, bizarre shapes, at 20-40 bpm.

QRS with Prolonged PR Interval Indication

May indicate a first-degree AV block.

Sinus Arrest Definition

Characterized by upright P waves, regular R to R intervals, interrupted by a long non-multiple pause.

False Negative Outcome Definition

Occurs when a stress test is negative and an angiogram is positive.

Class IV Medication Action

Interferes with calcium's movement during phase four of the action potential.

Normal Sinus Rhythm Definition

Characterized by regular R to R intervals, P waves upright in lead II, PR interval of 0.14 seconds, QRS complex < 0.12 seconds.

Tricuspid Valve Location

Located between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Semilunar Valves Identification

Includes the pulmonic and aortic valves.

Sinus Tachycardia Characteristics

Regular R to R intervals, heart rate of 106, upright P waves and a specific PR interval.

Atrial Rate Definition

Determined by counting P waves in a 60-second interval.

Left Bundle Branch Block Feature

Identified by QS or RS waves greater than 0.12 seconds.

Left Anterior Hemiblock Feature

Characterized by left axis deviation, a small Q wave in Lead I and a small R wave in Lead III.

Specificity in Testing

Percentage of individuals who are negative on both tests.

Sensitivity in Testing

Percentage of individuals who test positive on both tests.

Right Axis Deviation (RAD) Criteria

Identified by a negative deflection in lead I and a positive deflection in aVF.

Artifact on EKG

Marks on tracing caused by sources other than the heart.

Inferior MI ST-Segment Changes

Displayed in leads II, III, and aVF.

First Drug in Cardiac Arrest

Epinephrine is typically the first medication administered.

Class I Medication Action

Interferes with sodium movement during phase zero of the action potential.

Diastasis Phase of Diastole

Represents equalization of pressure between the atria and ventricles.

Pulmonary Artery Function

Transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

A-Fib Complication Prevention

Blood clot prevention or treatment with anticoagulation medications.

Sinus Exit Block Characteristics

Includes upright P waves and regular R to R with a long pause that is a multiple of R to R.