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EKG AND DYSRHTMIAS

Overview of Heart Function and EKG Strips

  • The heart pumps blood through various chambers and valves:

    • Blood enters the left ventricle through the aortic valve.

    • Blood then flows out of the heart through the aorta to the rest of the body.

Components of EKG Strips

  • An EKG strip represents electrical activity in the heart:

    • P Wave

    • Represents the depolarization of the atria.

    • Signifies that the atria are contracting.

    • QRS Complex

    • Represents the ventricular depolarization.

    • Indicates that the ventricles are contracting.

    • T Wave

    • Represents repolarization of the ventricles.

    • Indicates that the heart is relaxing and the ventricles are refilling with blood.

Identifying Heart Problems Through EKG Strips

  • If there is an abnormality in the P wave, it indicates an issue within the atria. This can lead to conditions such as:

    • Atrial Fibrillation

    • Atrial Flutter

  • If there is an abnormality in the QRS complex, it indicates issues with the ventricles.

Understanding Heart Rate and Rhythm

  • Tachycardia:

    • Defined as a fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

    • May or may not indicate a normal rhythm.

  • Bradycardia:

    • Defined as a slow heart rate.

Key EKG Intervals and Their Significance

  • PR Interval:

    • Represents the time it takes for electrical signals to travel from the atria to the ventricles.

    • A normal PR interval is between 0.12 seconds and 0.20 seconds.

  • To measure heart rate from an EKG strip:

    • Count the number of QRS complexes within a specific interval and multiply by 10 to determine beats per minute.

    • Each small square on the EKG strip represents 0.04 seconds, and 5 small squares equal 1 second.

    • Example: If you count 4 QRS complexes in a 6-second strip, the heart rate is 40 beats per minute (low).

Diagnosing Normal and Abnormal Rhythms

  • A normal sinus rhythm:

    • Characterized by a P wave for every QRS complex with a regular rate around 60 beats per minute.

  • Sinus Bradycardia:

    • Defined as a regular rhythm with a slow heart rate, specifically having a P wave for every QRS despite a slower rate.

Summary of EKG Key Points

  • P wave indicates atria contraction.

  • QRS complex indicates ventricular contraction.

  • T wave indicates ventricular relaxation and refilling.

  • Determine heart rate by counting QRS complexes and utilizing the PR interval for assessment.

  • Normal PR interval is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds.

Additional Resources and Activities

  • A recommended YouTube video provides details on commonly tested rhythms and helpful mnemonics for recognition.

  • Post-video, students will form groups of two to select a rhythm and prepare a presentation on it using a blank sheet or PowerPoint, with specific guidelines provided regarding presentation content.

  • A brief 2-minute break will be provided before continuing with group activities, allowing students to rest and mentally prepare for the upcoming task.