EKG Ch 5

A comprehensive set of 40 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in EKG technology and applications.

Electrocardiogram

A visual record of the electrical activity of the heart.

Cardiac conduction

The movement of electrical signals in the heart.

Depolarization

A change in electrical charge from negative to positive, causing heart muscle contraction.

Repolarization

A change in electrical charge from positive back to negative, causing heart muscle relaxation.

ECG leads

Measurements of the heart's electrical activity, with each lead providing information about a different part of the heart.

Electrodes

Pads that conduct electricity, attached to the patient's skin in EKG tests.

EKG tracing

The resulting graph produced by an EKG machine that represents the heart's electrical activity.

12-lead EKG

A common EKG test that monitors cardiac function and is used for stress tests.

Precordial leads

Chest leads (V1 to V6) that measure electrical activity in specific areas of the heart.

Limb leads

Leads I, II, and III that are bipolar and measure voltage between two points.

Augmented limb leads

Leads aVR, aVL, and aVF that are unipolar and measure voltage at a positive pole against a neutral reference point.

Telemetry monitoring

Continuous monitoring of the heart using a small device that transmits data to a central station.

Holter monitor

A portable EKG device worn by the patient to monitor heart activity over an extended period.

Event monitor

A type of ambulatory monitor that records heart activity only when activated by the patient.

Calibration marker

A visual marker on an EKG tracing indicating the gain setting of the machine.

Gain control

A setting on the EKG machine that adjusts the sensitivity of the tracing.

Artifact

Interference or distortion seen in EKG tracings that may affect accuracy.

Electrode placement

The specific locations where electrodes are attached to the patient's body for accurate readings.

Lead wires

Cables that connect the electrodes to the EKG machine.

Mechanical activity

The physical contractions of the heart muscle that are not directly measured by EKGs.

Einthoven's triangle

The configuration formed by the limb leads in an EKG, named after the doctor who first recorded heart activity.

Wilson's central terminal

A neutral reference point used for measuring the precordial leads.

Stress test

An EKG test administered while the patient exercises to assess heart function under stress.

Continuous monitoring

Ongoing assessment of heart rate and rhythm usually done in emergency settings.

Ambulatory monitoring

Heart monitoring using portable devices while the patient continues daily activities.

Resting electrodes

Thin, flat electrodes used for routine screening EKGs.

Monitoring electrodes

Circular pad electrodes used for continuous monitoring of heart activity.

Patient preparation

The steps taken to ready a patient for an EKG test, including electrode placement.

Electrical activity

The flow of electrical signals that causes the heart to beat.

Lead II

The lead commonly used to assess the patient's heart rate and rhythm.

EKG machine

The device used to record the electrical activity of the heart.

V-leads

The leads placed on the chest to measure electrical activity from chest positions V1 to V6.

12-lead setup

The arrangement of electrodes to conduct a complete 12-lead EKG.

Electrode gel

A conductive substance used on electrodes to improve signal transmission.

Physical activity

Any movement or exercise that affects heart function monitored during EKG tests.

Basic troubleshooting

Initial steps taken to solve EKG machine errors before seeking further assistance.

Battery indicator

A display that shows the charge level of the EKG machine's battery.

Smart devices

Technology used for personal EKGs, including smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Provider interpretation

The process by which a healthcare provider evaluates EKG data for diagnosis.

Continuous assessment

Ongoing evaluation of the patient's heart rate and rhythm over time.

Cardiac monitoring

The use of devices to track heart function and rhythm continuously.

Unipolar leads

Leads that measure voltage at a single positive pole against a neutral reference.

Bipolar leads

Leads that measure the difference in electrical potential between two points.

Risk of dysrhythmias

The chance of irregular heartbeats that can be detected by EKGs.