EKG Artifacts and Arrhythmias

Flashcards related to EKG artifacts and arrhythmias.

Arrhythmia

Abnormal heart rhythm.

Dysrhythmia

Dangerous abnormal heart rhythms.

Artifacts

Abnormal findings on an EKG due to improper technique, poor conduction, or outside interference.

Somatic Tremor

Erratic spikes at the baseline caused by shivering patients or patients with Parkinsonism & tremor.

AC Interference

Uniform spikes at the baseline caused by electrical devices on or near the patient.

Wandering baseline

Caused by poor skin preparation or hair interfering with the electrode connection.

Interrupted baseline

Demonstrated by a tracing that is not continuous; Caused by a disconnected or broken lead wire.

Normal Sinus Rhythm

Originates at the SA node, P waves are upward and QRS is narrow; Regular rhythm, rate 60-100 bpm.

Sinus Bradycardia

Normal ECG tracing with heart rate less than 60 bpm, originates from the SA node.

Sinus Tachycardia

Originates from the SA node; Heart rate greater than 100 bpm.

Sinus Arrest

SA node stops firing, causing a pause in electrical activity.

Atrial flutter

“Saw tooth” baseline, no true P waves, called flutter waves.

Atrial fibrillation (A fib)

No organized contraction of the atria; Atria are in “quivering state”, no clear P waves, irregular rhythm, narrow QRS.

Asystole

Heart has stopped; Patient will be unresponsive, pulseless.

Ventricular tachycardia

An unstable condition of the ventricles requiring the notification of a provider.

Ventricular fibrillation

Unorganized electrical activity in the ventricles, no QRS = no heartbeat; Life threatening.