ECG Ambulatory Application Flashcards
What are the different AHA classes and levels of evidence?
I- Agreement the treatment is useful and effective
II-conflicting evidence and/or a divergence of opinion about the usefullness/efficacy of a treatment
IIa- weight of evidence is in favor of the treatment
IIb-usefulness/efficacy is less well established by evidence
class III- Evidence and/or general agreement that the treatment is not useful/effective and in some cases may be harmful
Define syncope or near syncope
a transient loss of conciousness usually leading to a fall.
-the onset is very rapid and recovery spontaneous
What are palpitations?
-increased awareness of ones own heart beat
-can be benign or malignant
How do you set up the monitor?
-configure
-search for patient
-add in patient details
-connect and configure
-Explanation, reassurance, guidance for the patient
What equiptment do we need to prepare for the ECG amb monitor?
-card
-pen
-voice
-programme
-device
-clean
-new AAA battery
Describe skin preperation for an ECG amb monitor
-shave if necessary
-remove outer skin layer of skin because it contains dry, dead cells which do not conduct electricity well
-remove grease from the skin to allow the adhesive base of the electrode to stick firmly to the skin
-do not overprep as breaking the skin surface will significantly increase the impedance
What are we checking for in ECG electrodes in the amb monitor?
-use a good quality electrode with a large contact area
-silver-silver chloride
-porous material
-offset stud
-check expiry dates and packaging
-check hypersensitivity
Describe electrode positioning for the amb ECG monitor
yellow -CH1-CH3+ RSE border at the level of the 2nd rib
red -CH1+ - CH2+ left anterior axillary line and on the 6th rib
green- CH2-CH3 in the right anterior axillary line and on the 6th rib
What are we looking for in the tape analysis?
-QRS in at least 1 lead
-R wave amplitute should be maximised with respect to other waves
How do you apply the ECG amb monitor?
-secure patient cables on chest (check if patient is allergic) and create stress loops close to the electrodes
-ensure patient details are recorded
What details do they need to write in the diary sheet?
-postural changes
-meal times
-bed/ wake times
-excersise
-symptoms
What do you have to do when the patient returns after having an ECG amb monitor?
-remove card before detaching electrodes
-check for skin reactions
-detach recorder
-remove used battery and dispose of safely
-check the patient cable
List some recording problems that may occur in and ECG amb monitor
-movement artefacts
-unstable electrodes
-positional/ morphology changes
-wandering baseline
-AC interference
-broken patient cable
-the patient
