Heart Blocks and Strips

Question 1

How long should the PR interval be?

Answer 1

• 0.12-0.20 or
• 3-5 small squares

Question 2

How long should the QRS interval be?

Answer 2

0.06-0.12 or

< than 3 small squares

Question 3

How do you calculate an irregular HR w/ a 6 second strip?

Answer 3

• # of R waves in 6 seconds x10

Question 4

How do you calculate a regular rhythm on a strip?

Answer 4

300 divided by the number of large squares between R waves

Question 5

Characteristics of a 1st degree heart block…

Answer 5

partial block Consistent prolonged PR interval

Question 6

Characteristics of a 2nd degree, type 1 heart block…

Answer 6

• progressive block
• Progressively long PR interval
• Eventual QRS drop and cycle repeats
• “long, long, drop”

Question 7

Characteristics of a 2nd degree, type 2 heart block…

Answer 7

• intermittent block
• No progressive PR
• interval Normal EKG rhythm with occasional QRS drops
• “normal, normal, drop”

Question 8

Characteristics of a 3rd degree heart block…

Answer 8

• complete block
• P waves and QRS waves are not coordinated
• Each will have their own regular, unrelated tempos

Question 9

What type of drugs end in “pril” and what do they do?

Answer 9

• Ace Inhibitors
• Prevents fluid retention
• Reduces blood pressure

Question 10

What type of drugs end in “olol” and what do they do?

Answer 10

• Beta blockers
• Slow heart
• Reduce BP

Question 11

What type of drugs end in “ipine” and what do they do?

Answer 11

• Calcium channel blockers
• Reduce SVR, BP, contractility, conduction
• Diltiazem & Veropamil are also calcium channel blockers

Question 12

What type of drugs end in “ides” and what do they do?

Answer 12

• Diuretics
• Reduces fluid volume

Question 13

What are normal potassium levels?

Answer 13

3.6 to 5.2