ecgs Flashcards
what does the P wave on an ECG represent?
atrial depolarisation
what does the T wave represent on an ECG?
ventricular repolarisation
what does the QRS complex represent on an ECG?
ventricular depolarisation
What is P-R interval in ECG?
conduction through the AV node
what does the ST segment represent on an ECG?
the interval between ventricular depolarization and repolarization
what are the first two things to check for when interpreting an ECG?
rate (how many QRS complexes are there in a 6 second strip, multiply by 10)
rhythm - is there an equal distance between each R wave, and is this the same as the distance between each P wave?
what is the third thing to check for when interpreting an ECG?
P waves - are they present, regular, are they smooth, rounded and upright?
what does the presence of a P wave before each QRS complex signify?
sinus rhythm
what is the fourth step when interpreting an ECG?
measure P-R interval
what is normal length of P-R interval?
0.12 - 0.2 seconds
what is the fifth step when interpreting an ECG?
measure the QRS interval
what is the normal length of the QRS interval?
0.04-0.08 seconds (<0.12 secs is fine)
what is the sixth step when interpreting an ECG?
check the ST segment - is it isoelectric, elevated or depressed
what does one small square represent on an ECG?
0.04 seconds
what does a large box (5 small squares) represent on an ECG?
0.2 seconds
