ECG Flashcards
Describe the initial management steps for a patient presenting with lightheadedness, dizziness, and a pulse rate below 50 beats per minute.
First step: administer atropine. If no response after 3 doses of atropine, consider transcutaneous pacing. If there is still no improvement, consider transvenous pacing (not typically done in the ER).
What is the recommended treatment for a patient diagnosed with SVT and hemodynamic instability (hypotension, chest pain)?
Cardioversion with a DC shock.
How should SVT patients with hemodynamic stability be initially managed?
First step: vagal stimulation (e.g., carotid massage). If there is no response, consider IV adenosine. If still no response, consider calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or beta blockers (BBs).
Define VT and outline the management approach for a patient with VT and hemodynamic instability.
VT stands for ventricular tachycardia. For a patient with VT and hemodynamic instability, cardioversion with a DC shock is recommended.
Describe the management approach for a patient with palpitations and ECG showing polymorphic VT known as Torsade de Pointes.
The immediate management includes administering magnesium sulfate. The drug of choice for Torsade de Pointes is Amiodarone. If the patient is hemodynamically unstable, defibrillation is necessary.
What is the recommended treatment for a patient with Wolf Parkinsonian White syndrome (WPW) presenting with SVT?
Adenosine is the preferred treatment for SVT in patients with WPW. The best long-term treatment is catheter ablation.
Describe the management approach for a patient with palpitations and ECG showing irregular, narrow complex tachycardia indicative of atrial fibrillation (AF).
The most common cause of AF is not specified in the content.
What is the most important investigation to be done in a patient with atrial fibrillation and suspected hyperthyroidism?
TSH, T4
What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation in a patient with hyperthyroidism?
Beta-blocker (BB)
What does an ECG showing an extra QRS complex with no preceding P-wave indicate?
Premature ventricular contraction (PVC)
What is the most common cause of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?
Hyperkalemia
What is the most dangerous cause of PVCs, especially post-myocardial infarction?
Ischemia
In a patient with polycythemia vera (PCV) who is asymptomatic, what is the recommended treatment?
No treatment
In a symptomatic patient with polycythemia vera (PCV), what is the recommended treatment? In ECG
Beta-blocker (BB)
What does an ECG showing 1st degree heart block (PR interval >0.2 sec) with each P wave followed by a QRS complex indicate?
No treatment
What does an ECG showing progressive PR interval prolongation followed by a dropped QRS complex indicate?
Second degree AV block type I (Mobitz type I)
What does an ECG showing a regular PR interval followed by a dropped QRS complex indicate?
Second degree AV block type II (Mobitz type II)
What does an ECG showing no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes indicate?
Third degree AV block
What is the management approach for first-degree AV block?
No treatment
What is the management approach for second-degree AV block type I, even if symptomatic?
No treatment
What is the management approach for second-degree AV block type II, even if asymptomatic?
Pacemaker insertion
The management of second-degree AV block type II, even if asymptomatic, involves:
- Cardiology Referral: Immediate referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation and management.
- Monitoring and ECG: Continuous ECG monitoring to assess the degree of block and identify any progression to complete heart block.
- Permanent Pacemaker: Consideration for permanent pacemaker insertion due to the high risk of progression to complete heart block and sudden cardiac arrest.
For more detailed guidelines, refer to the RACGP guidelines.
What is the management approach for third-degree AV block?
Pacemaker insertion
Name important drugs that can cause hyperkalemia.
ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, NSAIDs, Spironolactone
What is the first step in managing hyperkalemia with significant ECG changes (wide QRS complex)?
Calcium gluconate administration
Name important drugs that can cause hypokalemia.
Loop diuretics, Amiodarone, thiazide,nitrate
What does an ECG showing an M-shaped pattern in leads V1 and V2 indicate?
Right bundle branch block (RBBB)
What does an ECG showing an M-shaped pattern in leads V5 and V6 indicate?
Left bundle branch block (LBBB)
Describe the significance of LBBB in the context of cardiac arrest management.
LBBB is important to consider in cardiac arrest situations.