Common ECG Rhythms + Characteristics

Question 1

What is seen on an ECG for Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 1

• an IRREGULARLY IRREGULAR rhythm
• NO P WAVES
• an atrial rate of >300 bpm
• a narrow QRS complex

Question 2

What is seen on an ECG for Atrial Flutter?

Answer 2

• SAW TOOTH F WAVES
• atrial rate of 300 bpm
• ventricular rate of usually 150 bpm

Question 3

What is seen on an ECG for Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia?

Answer 3

• a RAPID RATE
• a CONSTANT QRS morphology
• no clear P or T waves

Question 4

What is seen on an ECG for Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia?

Answer 4

• QRS complexes that VARY IN AMPLITUDE

Question 5

What is seen on an ECG for Torsade de Pointes?

Answer 5

• QRS complexes that TWIST AROUND the isoelectric line

Question 6

What is seen on an ECG for Ventricular Fibrillation?

Answer 6

• a BIZARRE IRREGULAR WAVEFORM
• NO RECOGNISABLE QRS COMPLEXES
• a WANDERING BASELINE
• uncoordinated electrical activity