ECG Rhythms

Question 1

What are the lethal arrthymias in order of severity?

Answer 1

1. Asystole
2. V-fib
   = Both have NO CO
   » no brain perfusion, time is key!!!
3. V-tach
   = has CO, but potentially life-threatening

Question 2

Tx for V-fib

Answer 2

D-FIB!!

Question 3

Tx for Asystole

Answer 3

1. Epinephrine
2. Atropine

Question 4

Tx for SVT

Answer 4

1. ADENOSINE = fast IV push into big vein (<8 secs)
2. BETA BLOCKER
3. CCB
4. DIGOXIN (or LANOXIN)

Question 5

Tx for PVCs and V-tach

Answer 5

Lidocaine/Amiodarone

Question 6

A-fib characteristics

Answer 6

• No P-wave that precedes QRS
• Irregular pattern

Question 7

V-fib vs V-tach characteristics

Answer 7

V-fib = Squiggly line with no pattern

V-tach = sharp “tombstone” peaks w/ pattern

Question 8

PVCs
- When is it concerning?

Answer 8

• Tachycardic QRS

Notify HCP when…
= 6 or more PVCs in a minute
= 6 of more PVCs in a row
= If PVC falls on the T-wave of the previous beat (R-T phenomenon)