ACLS EKG (words)

Question 1

Sinus rhythm

Answer 1

A sinus rhythm is regular with normal P, Q-R-S, T deflections and intervals. Rate = 60-100 at rest.

Question 2

Sinus bradycardia

Answer 2

Sinus bradycardia is a sinus rhythm with a rate less than 60 per minute in an adult.

Question 3

Sinus tachycardia

Answer 3

Sinus tachycardia is a sinus rhythm with a rate greater than 100 per minute in an adult. Note that the p waves are still present.

Question 4

1st degree heart block

Answer 4

Sinus rhythm with 1st degree heart block is a sinus rhythm with a prolonged PR interval > 0.20 seconds due to a delay in transmission from the atria to the ventricles

Question 5

2nd degree heart block/Mobitz I/Wenckebach

Answer 5

A Mobitz Type I heart block is characterized by progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a QRS complex is dropped.

Question 6

2nd degree heart block/Mobitz II

Answer 6

A Mobitz Type II heart block is characterized by an intermittent dropped QRS that is not in a Mobitz Type I pattern. The Mobitz Type II block must be evaluated since it is one that can rapidly progress to a complete heart block.

Question 7

3rd degree/complete heart block

Answer 7

A 3rd degree heart block is a rhythm in which there is no relationship between the P and QRS waves. In this case, the P to P intervals are regular but have no relationship to the QRS complexes on the ECG.

Question 8

Supraventricular tachycardia

Answer 8

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an extremely fast atrial rhythm with narrow QRS complexes when the impulse originates above the bundle branches (above the ventricles).

Question 9

Atrial fibrillation

Answer 9

Atrial Fibrillation (Afib or AF) is a very common arrhythmia. This rhythm is characterized by no waves before the QRS complex and a very irregular heart rate.

Question 10

Atrial flutter

Answer 10

Atrial flutter is a supraventricular arrhythmia that is characterized by a “saw-toothed” flutter appearance on the ECG that represents multiple P waves for each QRS complex.

Question 11

Asystole

Answer 11

Asystole is also commonly known as a “flat line” where there is no electrical activity seen on the cardiac monitor. Not responsive to electrical defibrillation.

Question 12

Pulseless electrical activity

Answer 12

Can be virtually any organized ECG rhythm in a patient who is unresponsive and lacks a palpable pulse. Thus, one cannot learn a PEA rhythm. It should not be confused, however, with specific pulseless scenarios listed previously.

Question 13

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer 13

Ventricular tachycardia (Vtach or VT) is characterized by bizarre widened QRS complexes, no P waves and usually a rate over 100 per minute. May quickly degenerate to Ventricular fibrillation and death. VT may be responsive to electrical defibrillation.

Question 14

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer 14

Ventricular fibrillation (Vfib or VF) is characterized by a chaotic wave pattern and no pulse. VF may be responsive to electrical defibrillation.