EKG artifacts and arrhythmias Flashcards
Which lead is used to interpret rhythm?
lead 2
- clearest recording of a heart rhythm
What are artifacts?
abnormal findings
What causes artifacts?
- improper technique
- poor conduction
- outside intererence
What is somatic tremor?
erratic spikes at the baseline
What causes somatic tremor?
- shivering patients
- patients with parkinsonism and tremor
What is AC interference?
uniform spikes at the baselin
What is AC interference caused by?
electrical devices on or near the patient
What causes wandering baseline?
- poor skin preparation
- hair
What is an interrupted baseline?
demonstrated by a tracing that is not continuous
What is interrupted baseline caused by?
disconnected or broken lead wire
What is the 1500 method?
rhythm must be regular
- count number of small boxes between 2 R waves and divide 1500 by that number (1500/# small boxes)
What is the 6 second method?
- used for irregular rhythms
- identify P or R waves
- count amount in 30 large squares
- multiply that by 10
What is sinus bradycardia?
originates from SA node
- normal ECG tracing with heart rate less than 60 bpm
- QRS complex far apart
What is sinus tachycardia?
heart rate greater than 100 bpm
- QRS complex closer together
What is sinus arrest?
SA node stops firing, causing a pause in electrical activity
- not significant unless it lasts longer than 6 seconds
