approach to dysrhythmias Flashcards
Step 1 or the basics
Basics:
ABCs & IV, Oxygen, Cardiac Monitor
step 2 in the 6 step approach
Patient Assessment
Stable or Unstable?
- Interpretation based on a spectrum
- ALOC, ↓BP, CP, pulmonary edema
step 3
–> Regular or Irregular EKG
- Irregular
- Issue that happens above the ventricles (atrium/AV node issue)
- NOT VTach (usually regular)
- Block AV Node
Step 4
fast or slow
step 5
indentify complexes
Are P wave present?
Indicates sinus rhythm/normal axis –> DO NOT DEFIBRILLATE!
step 6
Complex Distance –> Narrow or Wide?
what is the ddx of Narrow, Regular, No P waves
PSVT
Atrial flutter
WPW
Narrow complex VT
two types of WPW
orthodromic=narrow
orthodromic=wide
AV node can not go faster than
if it does you have to assume there is ___
200-220
if it goes higher than that it is because there is an accessory pathway
A flutter is what type of issue
macrocircuit
- global re-entry; different foci; circular
WPW is due to
-
d/t accessory pathway – P wave buried QRS; Delta wave
- Drives the rate really high
what are some vagal maneuvers
- Vagal maneuvers –> have them blow on a syringe while they are sitting up and then drop their head back
medication for – Narrow, Regular, No P waves
-
AV Nodal blockers: Adenosine (PSVT), CCB,* *ẞ-Blocker
- Block AV node b/c it is receiving too much stimulation
-
Cardioversion – synchronized
- Delivers right after the R complex
- Used for Vtach or Vfib
if someone is unstable with narrow regular no P waves can you consider adenosine
- UNSTABLE
- Can consider Adenosine but…
- Cardioversion start at 50J and 2x every time
adenosine feels like DYING
if you give adenosine to somone with A flutter
works on the AV node for a short period of time. need to use a longer agent
Narrow, Irregular, No P waves DDX
A-fib
A-flutter w/ variable block
what is the cause of AFIB
: increased automaticity within the atria
Tx of A fib -chronic (stable)
nodel blocker agent
- CBB –>**Diltiazem 5-10mg IVP slow. If tolerated can 2x it. Up to 60mg in 30 min
- Beta Blockers
- Digoxin ….**Old Drug