EKG Flashcards
The EKG is
graphic representation of electrical conduction through the heart
Conduction system
SA node-AV node-Bundle of His-Purkinje fibers-myocardium
The isoelectric line is
the baseline-straight line from which the components of an EKG wave are defined
P wave
Indicates atrial depolarization, or contraction of the atrium
- amplitude (height) is no more than 3 mm
- no peaking
PR interval
Indicates AV conduction time
- measures from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS
- normal duration time is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds
QRS complex
indicates ventricular depolarization or contraction of the ventricles
- normally not longer than .10 in duration
- R waves are deflected positively and the Q and S waver are negative
T wave
indicates ventricular repolarization
-rounded and asymmetrical
ST segment
represents the time between the end of the contraction and repolarization
- normally not depressed
- may be elevated slightly in some leads (no more than 1 mm)
Each small square on the EKG graft is
0.04 seconds
One large square on EKG graft is
0.020 seconds (contains 5 small squares)
30 squares equals
6 seconds
1500 squares equals
1 minute
Determine regular rhythm
measure from R to R
- if the rhythm varies by 0.12 seconds or more the rhythm is irregular.
- if the rhythm doesn’t vary or vaires <0.12 sec then it is considered regular
Determine HR Ventricular
count the number of squares R to R -divide by 1500 (for regular) or 6 sec method (for irregular) -count number of R to R and multiply by 10 for irregular beat
Measure PR interval
-measure from the beginning of the P wave as it leaves baseline to the beginning of the QRS complex. Count the squares and multiply by 0.04 seconds