EKG Flashcards
what are the characteristics of ventricular tachycardia?
wide QRS complex, regular, and fast rate.
no p waves, t waves, or PR interval.
what is monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?
the rhythm looks the same throughout
what is polymorphic ventricular tachycardia?
the rhythm does not look the same throughout
is torsades de pointes polymorphic or monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?
polymorphic
what causes v tach?
potassium imbalance
myocardial infarction
medication toxicity (digoxin)
heart disease (HF. CAD, valve disease)
what cause torsades de pointes?
patient is taking medications that prolong QT interval (amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide)
low calcium, potassium, or magnesium levels
what is the treatment for v tach for a patient with no pulse?
CPR
defibrillation
epinepherine
other meds than can be given:
amiodarone, lidocaine
what is the treatment for v tach for an unstable patient? (the patient has symptoms and a pulse)
synchronized cardioversion
antiarrhythmic meds such as amiodarone
symptoms:
decrease CO
hypotension, mental status changes, weak pulse, cool/clammy skin, chest pain
what is the treatment for v tach for a patient who is stable, has no symptoms, and has a pulse?
antiarrythmic meds (amiodarone IV)
if amiodarone is not effective, synchronized cardioversion
treatment for polymorphic v tach
stop medications that prolong QT interval (amiodarone, procainamide)
give magnesium sulfate
if patient is unstable with no pulse:
CPR and defibrillation
what is ventricular fibrillation?
a heart rhythm that originates from the ventricles
what is the role of the ventricles?
the ventricles help pump blood out of the heart and maintain cardiac output
what happens during v fib?
the ventricles are quivering and are not pumping out the blood adequately
CO is decreasing
what are the characteristics of ventricular fibrillation?
chaotic, rapid rhythm that has no organization
no p waves, QRS complex, t waves, and PR intervals
squiggly lines
what cause v fib?
heart disease
heart attack
potassium imbalance
hypoxia
drug overdose
