ECG Flashcards
describe the following ECG artifacts and what would you cause it
line is thick and bold unreadable
AC interference- Electrical inference/ check wires, outlets or cell phones
describe the following ECG artifacts and what would you cause it
Thin line
Somatic tremor - Muscle tremor/ Pt is cold, nervous, Parkinson’s Disease
describe the following ECG artifacts and what would you cause it
faint line, unreadable
Wandering baseline - patient moved, loose lead, leads are not connected, bad skin prep
describe the following ECG artifacts and what would you cause it
broken lines
Interrupted baseline - leads, fell off , broken or disconnected
describe the following ECG artifacts and what would you cause it
accurate lines and reading
Normal ECG
Describe the normal cardiac cycle (PQRST):
Label the above tracing with P- QRS - T waves
Describe the following arrhythmias/abnormal rhythm:
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular Fibrillation : VF Cardiac Arrest, heart stops pumping normally (quivering)
Describe the following arrhythmias/abnormal rhythm:
Atrial flutter
Atrial is Fluttering faster than ventricles/saw tooth appearance of P waves
Describe the following arrhythmias/abnormal rhythm:
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
PVC Ventricular contraction is too early in cycle
Describe the following arrhythmias/abnormal rhythm:
Premature atrial contraction (PAC)
PAC Atrial contraction too early in cycle
How many electrodes are needed to perform a 12 lead ECG?
10 Electrodes
Describe the anatomical landmarks for the precordial leads pictured:
All Leads are on the patient list each of them (Torso)
Lead V1: 4th intercostal space to the right of the sternum
Lead V2: 4th intercostal space to the left of the sternum
Lead V3: midway between V2 and V4
Lead V4: 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line
Lead V5: Anterior axillary line at the same level as v4
Lead V6: Maxillary line at the same level as V4 and V5
What should the MA do if a patient has an implanted device (pacemaker or defibrillator), Mastectomy or case that would interfere with electrode placement?
Place electrode as close to the orginal site, and lateral to both limb leads
What should the MA do if the patient has tremors due to Parkinson;s disease while preforming an ECG?
Have patient place hands under buttocks in the supine position
How would lotion/ointment affect or interfere with the ECG?
could cause a wandering baseline due to loose leads/re-prep skin with alcohol and replace electrodes
List daily steps for maintaining ECG machine
Check paper and make sure battery is charged
List the supplies needed for prep of the ECG stress test
Razor, electrodes, alcohol prep pads, and blood pressure cuff
list actions performed by MA prior to ECG stress testing
Patient ID, Doctors order, informed consent
