Basic Arrythmias

Question 1

What are the characteristics of a Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

Answer 1

P waves run into T waves

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 2

Erratic atrial rhythm, no distinct P wave

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Atrial Flutter?

Answer 3

Multiple P waves prior to QRS (saw tooth

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia?

Answer 4

P waves of various shapes, irregular ventricular rhythm (common among pts. With COPD)

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)?

Answer 5

Early P wave that disrupts sinus rhythm, may blend in with T wave

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a Wandering Pacemaker?

Answer 6

Normal rate with variations in shape and length of P waves

Question 7

What are the characteristics of a Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)?

Answer 7

Premature, wide, and tall QRS what is oppo in polarity than normal QRS

Question 8

What are the characteristics of Ventricular Tachycardia?

Answer 8

Run of 3 PVC’s (wide QRS), no P wave

Question 9

What are the characteristics of Ventricular Fibrillation?

Answer 9

Continuous streak of short, erratic QRS complexes with no P waves

Question 10

What are the characteristics of Ventricular Flutter?

Answer 10

Continuous streak of tall, wide QRS waves with no P waves…looks like continuous Sine waves

Question 11

What are the characteristics of Torsades de Pointes?

Answer 11

Long QT segment with gradual increase and then decrease in QRS complex height (ribbon appearance)

Question 12

What are the characteristics of Hyperkalemia?

Answer 12

Wide, flat, or no P wave, wide QRS, peaked T wave (tent like)

Question 13

What are the characteristics of Hypokalemia?

Answer 13

U wave, flattened T waves

Question 14

What are the characteristics of a 1st degree AV block?

Answer 14

PR interval > 0.20 seconds (> 1 large box)