Dysrhythmias Flashcards
Main Concern of Dysrhythmias
- Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
Dysrhythmias
- Any disturbance or irregularity in the electrical system of the heart
Electrophysiologic Properties
-Automaticity
- Ability of the pacemaker cells to initiate an electrical impulse
Electrophysiologic Properties
-Excitability
- Ability to respond to electrical impulse
Electrophysiologic Properties
-Conductivity
- Ability to transmit impulse from cell to cell
Electrophysiologic Properties
-Contractility
- Ability of muscle fibers to shorten in response to impulse
P Wave
- Atrial depolarization
QRS Wave
- Ventricle Depolarization
2. Atrial re-polarization
T Wave
- Ventricle Re-polarization
Refractory Periods
-Absolute Refractory Period
- Cell is unresponsive to another stimulus
Refractory Periods
-Relative Refractory Period
- A stimulus could initiate an action potential and cause a dysrhythmia
- Located at the last half of the T wave
QT Interval
- Ventricular Cycle
Normal PR Interval
- .12 to .20
- Time the impulse travels to AV node and bundle branches
Normal QRS Complex
- .06 to .10 seconds ( above .13 is considered above)
- Ventricular depolarization
- Q wave - first negative deflection
- R Wave - first positive deflection
- S Wave - First negative after R wave
ST Segment
-What to look for?
- If ST is Elevated, it indicates myocardial ischemia
Normal QT Interval
- 0.32 to 0.44
- Beginning of QRS to end of T wave
U Wave
- Usually NOT SEEN
2. May be seen with HYPOKALEMIA
Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Problems with impulse formation, transmission, & Conduction
Sinus Bradycardia
-Occurs in response to?
- Carotid sinus massage
- Hypothermia
- Increased vagal tone
- Parasympathomimetic drugs
- Hypothyroidism
- Obstructive jaundice
Sinus Bradycardia
-Clinical Significance
- Dependent on Symptoms
- Hypotension
- Pale, cool skin
- Weakness
- Angina
- Dizziness or syncope
- Confusion or disorientation // SOB
Sinus Bradycardia
-Treatment
- Atropine
2. Pacemaker may be required
Sinus Tachycardia
-Clinical Associations
- Associated w/ physiologic stressors
- Exercise
- Pain
- Hypovolemia
- MI, HF, Fever
Sinus Tachycardia
-Clinical Significance
- Dizziness & hypotension
2. Increased Myocardial oxygen consumption may lead to angina
Sinus Tachycardia
-Treatment
- Beta-adrenergic blockers to reduce HR and myocardial oxygen consumption
- Antipyretics to treat fever
- Analgesics for pain
Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)
- Contraction originating from ECTOPIC focus in atrium (not in SA node)
- Travels across atrial by abnormal pathway
- Creates distorted P wave - May be stopped, delayed, or conducted normally at the AV node
Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)
-Clinical Associations (Can result from)
- Emotional stress
- Use of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol
- Hypoxia
- Electrolyte imbalances
- COPD
- Valvular disease
Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)
-Clinical Significance
- Isolated PAC’s are NOT SIGNIFICANT in those with healthy hearts
- In persons w/ heart disease, may be warning of more serious dysrhythmia
Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)
-Treatment
- Depends on symptoms
- Beta-Adrenergic blockers may be used to decrease PAC’s
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
- Originates in ectopic focus anywhere above bifurcation of bundle of HIS
- Some degree of AV block may be present
- Can occur in presence of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
-Clinical Association In a Normal Heart
- Overexertion
- Emotional stress
- Stimulants
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
-Clinical Associations
- Digitalis toxicity
- Rheumatic heart disease
- CAD
- Cor pulmonale
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
-Clinical Significance
- Prolonged episode of HR > 180 BPM may precipitate decreased cardiac output
- Palpitations
- hypotension
- Dyspnea
- Angina
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
-Treatment
- Vagal maneuvers: Valsalva, coughing
- IV adenosine
- Cardioversion (make sure machine is set to synchronize)
- Ablation
- Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)
Atrial Flutter
- Atrial Tachydysrhythmia identified by recurring, regular, SAWTOOTH-SHAPED flutter waves
- Originates from a single ectopic focus
- Loss of atrial kick
- Ration 4:1, 3:1, 2:1
Atrial Flutter
-Occurs with
- CAD, HTN
- Mitral valve disorders
- Pulmonary embolus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Digoxin, quinidine, epinephrine
Atrial Flutter
-Clinical Significance
- High Ventricular rates (>100) and loss of the atrial kick can decrease CO and precipitate HF, Angina
- Risk for Stroke due to risk of THROMBUS FORMATION in the atria
Atrial Flutter
-Treatment
- Drugs to slow HR: CCB, B-adrenergic blockers
- Electrical cardioversion
- Antidyshrythmia meds (amiodarone)
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation
Atrial Fibrillation
- Total disorganization of atrial electrical activity due to MULTIPLE ectopid foci
- Loss of effective atrial contraction and “kick”
- MOST COMMON dysrhythmia
- Prevalence increases w/ age
- “Irregularly Irregular”
Atrial Fibrillation
-How NCLEX describes it?
- “Irregularly Irregular”
Atrial Fibrillation
-Usually occurs with?
- Underlying heart disease, such as rheumatic heart disease, CAD
- Cardiomyopathy
- HF
- Pericarditis
Atrial Fibrillation
-Often acutely caused by?
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Alcohol intoxication
- Caffeine use
- Electrolyte disturbance
- Cardiac surgery
Atrial Fibrillation
-Clinical Significance
- Can result in decrease in CO
- Thrombi may form in the atria as a result of blood stasis
- Embolus may develop and travel to the brain, causing a stroke
Atrial Fibrillation
-Treatment for rate control?
- Digoxin
- B-adrenergic blockers
- CCB
Atrial Fibrillation
-Treatment (Long-term anticoagulation)
- Coumadin
Atrial Fibrillation
-Treatment used for Conversion
- Amiodarone
Atrial Fibrillation
-DC Cardioversion
- DC cardioversion may be used to convert atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm