Introduction to EKG Rhythms

These flashcards cover essential concepts and definitions related to EKG rhythms, their interpretation, and the physiological processes involved.

What is a P wave?

The P wave represents atrial depolarization, indicating that the SA node fired to the AV node.

What is the significance of lead placement on a patient?

Leads should be placed on dry, non-hairy areas to ensure accurate EKG readings.

What is the Big Box rule?

The Big Box rule states that each big box on the EKG paper represents 0.2 seconds.

How many seconds does a six second strip represent?

A six second strip represents six seconds of time.

What does the QRS complex represent?

The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.

What term is used for the electrical system that initiates the heartbeat?

The electrical system is initiated by the SA node (sinoatrial node).

What is the duration of a small box on EKG paper?

Each small box on EKG paper represents 0.04 seconds.

What signifies a normal heart rate when counting QRS complexes?

A normal heart rate is calculated by counting the QRS complexes in a six-second strip and multiplying by 10.

What does a T wave indicate?

The T wave represents ventricular repolarization.

What does it mean if there is a P wave for every QRS complex?

It indicates a normal sinus rhythm.

What describes the appearance of atrial fibrillation on an EKG?

Atrial fibrillation displays a chaotic baseline with irregularly spaced QRS complexes.

What should be done if a patient is diaphoretic before EKG lead placement?

The area should be dried to ensure good lead contact and accurate readings.

What happens to the QRS complex in ventricular tachycardia?

In ventricular tachycardia, the QRS complexes are wide and may vary in shape.

What is the PR interval rule?

The PR interval should be contained within one big box.

What can cause a pause in electrical conduction?

Hormonal changes can cause pauses in electrical conduction.

What is the significance of artifact on an EKG strip?

Artifact indicates false readings that can obscure the actual heart rhythm.

What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

SVT is a rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, characterized by a rapid heart rate.

What condition is indicated by a variable heart rate with chaotic baseline activity?

Atrial fibrillation.

What should you assess if a patient appears to have a life-threatening condition?

You must assess for a pulse.

What defines a narrow complex QRS?

A narrow complex QRS fits within one big box, indicating normal ventricular depolarization.

What indicates the presence of a premature ventricular contraction (PVC)?

A PVC is identified by a wide, abnormal QRS complex that occurs earlier than expected.

How can heart rate be calculated from a 6-second EKG strip?

Count the QRS complexes and multiply by 10 to get the number of beats per minute.

What is the function of the AV node?

The AV node conducts impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

What is the difference between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation?

Atrial flutter has a regular rhythm and distinct flutter waves, while atrial fibrillation has an irregular rhythm with no distinct waves.

What happens in a wide complex QRS?

A wide complex QRS indicates an abnormal ventricular depolarization, often seen in PVCs and ventricular tachycardia.

What does the term 'repolarization' refer to?

Repolarization refers to the process of the heart muscle cells returning to their resting state after contraction.

What is a primary indicator of a sinus rhythm?

A primary indicator of a sinus rhythm is the presence of a P wave before every QRS complex.

What are the risks associated with atrial fibrillation?

The risks include rapid heart rate and increased potential for blood clots.

What signifies that the ventricles are depolarizing effectively?

A narrow QRS complex signifies effective ventricular depolarization.

What does it mean if the QRS complex is outside the big box?

It indicates a wide QRS complex, which can suggest a serious underlying issue.

What is a characteristic of artifact?

Artifact causes the EKG reading to segment or appear irregular, complicating the interpretation.

What is the key electrical activity happening just before the T wave?

The ventricles are repolarizing.

How does caffeine affect heart rhythms?

Caffeine can increase the frequency of PVCs and cause palpitations.

What should you consider when diagnosing a heart block?

If the PR interval is prolonged or breaks the big box rule, it indicates a heart block.

What is the difference between symptomatic and non-symptomatic rhythms?

Symptomatic rhythms show signs of clinical issues; non-symptomatic rhythms do not show adverse symptoms.

What is the significance of labeling EKG strips?

Labeling helps identify heart rhythms accurately for effective diagnostics and treatment.

What approach should be used for evaluating heart rhythms?

A systematic approach involves assessing rate, regularity, P waves, and QRS complexes.

What does atrial flutter usually present as on the EKG?

Atrial flutter typically presents with sawtooth patterns, often referred to as 'flutter waves'.