Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Cardiac Pathologies > INTERPRETING EKGs and Recognizing Dysrhythmias > Flashcards

INTERPRETING EKGs and Recognizing Dysrhythmias Flashcards

EKG

1
Q

💡5 types

Types of atrial arrhythmias

A
  1. Premature Atrial Contraction
  2. Atrial Tachycardia
  3. Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia
  4. Atrial Flutter
  5. Atrial Fibrillation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

diagnosis and treatment

  • Due to a # of different causes
  • Increased Parasympathetic activity
  • Dz of SA node (sick sinus syndrome (SSS))
  • May c/o: dizziness due to decreased CO
A

Sinus pause/arrest causes and treatment

  • Treatment:
    – Need to start treatment while pt has symptoms
    – Treat underlying cause:
    • Decrease Digitalis toxicity
    • Decrease vagal stimulation
    • PPM placement
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Premature Atrial Contraction originate from…

A

irritable, sometimes ischemia areas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

In a first degree AV Heart Block:

A
  • Impulse start at SA (and is delayed) or AV node prolonged.
  • P wave for every QRS
  • QRS is normal BEeetween 0.04 and 0.10
  • RR is regular
  • HR: 60-100 (but can be bellow 60)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q
A

Torsades de Pointes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

causes of sinus tachycardia

A
  • Typically benign
  • Increased Activity/Exercise (normal response)
  • Hypothermia
  • Hypotension
  • Heart Failure/Insufficient Cardiac Output
  • Anxiety
  • Increased sympathetic stimulation (fear, pain)
  • Stimulants (coffee, nicotine)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Variations of ischemia include:

A
  • Upsloping
  • Horizontal
  • Downsloping
  • Elevation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

occur every other beat

A

Bigeminal / Bigeminy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

PACs or other arrythmias that occur in pairs or two in a row

A

Couplets

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q
A

atrial flutter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

💡3 types

Nodal or Junctional Arrhythmias types

A
  • Premature Junctional Complex/Contraction
  • Junctional Rhythm
  • Junctional Tachycardia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q
A

Q waves after an inferior MI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How does digoxin work?

A

Digoxin acts by inhibiting cell membrane sodium/potassium ATPase which leads to reversal of the usual sodium/calcium exchange. An increased intracellular calcium level results which, in myocardial muscle, has the effect of enhancing the strength of contraction (positive inotropism). It also affects the electrical physiology of the heart, blocking atrioventricular (AV) conduction and reducing the heart rate by enhancing vagal nerve activity (negative chronotropy).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q
A
  • Normal Sinus Rhythm
  • Rate is between 60-100 bpm
  • Equal distance between points on the waves
  • One P for every QRS
  • All P waves look the same
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Premature Atrial Contraction treatment

A
  • None required
  • unless advances to Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) or Afib
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q
A

Junctional Rhythm

  • Rate: 40-60 bpm
  • QRS appears normal w/QRS duration: 0.04-0.10
  • Absent P wave prior to QRS: May get retrograde P’s
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

diagnosis?

  • Heart disease: MI, CHD, ischemia
  • Dijoxin Toxicity
  • Excesive B blocker
  • Symptoms of decreased CO and HR (dizziness, lightheaded, SOB, fatigue, chest pain)
A

common AV heart block signs, symptoms causes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Premature Junctional Contraction treatment

A
  • None, unless there are symptoms of clinical relevance
  • Treat the cause if indicated
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

treatment of atrial tachycardia

A
  • Treat the cause (ie: pH)
  • Perform autonomic maneuvers:
    • Valsalva
  • Meds:
    • B Blocker, Digoxin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q
A

Sinus pause/ sinus arrest:

  • Named w/ underlying rhythm:
    • ex: NSR with sinus pause OR Sinus Bradycardia with pause
    • May see ESCAPE Beat or Rhythm
  • All P waves are identical
  • P for every QRS
  • PR interval is b/t 0.12-0.2 sec
  • QRS complexes are identical w/QRS duration b/t 0.04-0.10 sec
  • R-R interval is regular, but occasional pauses noted
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

AV node rythym

A

40-60 bpm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q
A

Premature Junctional Contraction:

  • Premature impulses that arise from the AV node
  • Similar to PAC’s except:
    • Absent, inverted or retrograde P wave → P wave follows QRS instead of preceding it
  • QRS usually identical w/QRS duration: 0.04-0.10
    • BUT the QRS also may be slightly widened in that abnormal beat
  • R-R interval regular, except during premature beat
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

(Paroxysmal) Junctional Tachycardia, Signs/Symptoms/Causes:

A
  • Hyperventilation
  • CAD, MI, s/p CT surgery, digoxin toxicity, myocarditis, caffeine, nicotine, overexertion, emotional stuff
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

In an atrial flutter, P-waves are identical because…

A

it’s the same foci firing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

three PVCs in a row

A

Triplet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q
A

First Degree AV Heart Block

  • Lengthened PR interval (>0.20 sec), every time
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Types of SVT including:

A
  • Atrial Tachycardia
  • Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
  • Atrial Flutter
  • Atrial Fibrillation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q
A

Atrial tachycardia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

diagnosis and treatment

A

3rd Degree AV Heart Block:

  • This is a medical emergency
  • Meds: Atropine, B blocker
  • Pacemaker (usually dual chamber)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Atrial Tachycardia: signs/Symptoms/Causes:

A
  • Same as PAC’s
  • Hypoxemia, pulm HTN, altered pH
  • COPD pts
  • Can result in decreased CO:
    • Dizziness, Fatigue, SOB
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Junctional rhythm, causes/signs/symptoms

A
  • SA node dz, Increase in vagal tone, digoxin toxicity, MI or ischemia to conduction system
  • Decrease CO if rate too slow
  • Dizziness, fatigue
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q
A

Third Degree AV Heart Block

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

called STEMI, Q wave MI, Full Thickness MI

A

Transmural MI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

In a premature atria contraction, the P wave of early beat may get buried in _________

A

T wave of prior complex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

control atrial fib: treat or not to treat?

A

treat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

treatment of atrial flutter

A
  • Assess signs and symptoms
  • Call RN, NP, MD, PA
  • Medical Management:
    • B blocker, digoxin, verapamil
  • Rhythm Conversion (cardioversion)
  • Anticoagulation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

originate from multiple/different foci

A

Multifocal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

numerous…

Atrial Fibrillation, signs/symptoms/causes:

A
  • Numerous factors:
    • Age
    • CHF
    • ischemia/infarction
    • CM
    • digoxin toxicity
    • drug use
    • stress
    • pain
    • and more…
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q
A

First Degree AV Heart Block

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q
A
  • Sinus Tachycardia
  • Rate – greater than 100 bpm
  • Rhythm – regular
  • Relationship P Wave to QRS complex – 1:1
  • All P Waves look the same
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia signs/symptoms/sauses:

A
  • Emotional factors
  • Overexertion
  • Hyperventilation
  • Caffeine/Nicotine
  • RHD, MVP, PE
  • Digitalis toxicity
  • Dizziness, weakness, SOB
  • Chest pain, fainting/vomiting
  • May lead to “panic attack”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Series of rapid heartbeats that begin in or involve the atria

A

Supraventricular Tachycardia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q
  • tip: if there is no T wave on an abnormal beat is PJC
  • For PJC, QRS will be slightly lengthened because it is closer to ventricle compared to PAC
  • tip: if there is T, it is either PAC or PVC. but PVC has wide bizarre QRS.
A
  • Top: PAC
  • Bottom: PJC
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q
A

Junctional Rhythm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

diagnosis, cause

A

Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT or PSVT)

  • Sudden onset of atrial tachycardia
  • Underlying NSR w/ a burst of atrial tach that eventually returns to NSR
  • Abrupt start and stop
  • P wave may be present or merged with T wave
  • R hard to measure
  • QRS are identical w/QRS duration b/t 0.04-.010 sec
  • R-R usually regular
  • Rapid HR usually >160 bpm
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Premature Junctional Contraction signs/symptoms/causes:

A
  • Decreased automaticity and conductivity of SA node
  • Irritable AV node or Junctional tissue
  • Cardiac dz, MV dz
  • Frequent PJCs may be precursor to other abnormal rhythms
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

In a premature atrial contraction an ectopic atrial focus depolarizes ________, ahead of the__________

A
  1. prematurely
  2. SA node
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Similar to Junctional rhythm, but rate is higher (usually greater than 100)

A

(Paroxysmal) Junctional Tachycardia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

new onset a-fib: treat or not to treat

A

wait untill is controlled

50
Q

diagnosis

A

Second Degree AV block, Type I

  • AKA Wenckebach or Mobitz I
  • Progressive lengthening of PR interval until QRS gets dropped
51
Q

Rhythms that Originate in the SA Node, Atria, or AV Node

A

Supraventricular Rhythms

52
Q

type I and type II

Second degree AV block treatment

A
  • Type I (Wenckebach or Mobitz I):
    • May be unnecessary
    • Meds: atropine
    • Temporary PPM placement
    • May resolve with correction of ischemia in RCA
  • Type II (Mobitz II):
    • Frequently needs PPM placement
    • Meds to relieve symptoms: Atropine, B blocker
53
Q

5 lead EKG is used for

A

monitoring

54
Q

AV node AKA

A

junctional focci

55
Q
A

Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT or PSVT)

56
Q

Causes of sinus bradycardia:

A
  • Good conditioning in athletes (normal)
  • Decreased oxynegation during sleep
  • Vagal stimulation
  • Medication (B blocker)
  • Suctioning/gagging/vomiting
57
Q

(Paroxysmal) Junctional Tachycardia, treatment

A

– Identify cause and Tx
– Digoxin is given if not cause
– Vagal stimulation
– Meds: B blocker, Verapamil

58
Q
A

Atrial Tachycardia

  • HR usually >100 and as high as 200 or more bpm
  • P waves may or may not look the same
  • P may not be present for every QRS
  • P-R interval <0.20 sec
  • QRS are identical w/QRS duration b/t 0.04-0.10 sec – WHY?
  • R-R intervals vary
59
Q

diagnosis

A

2nd Degree AV block, Type II (Mobitz II)

  • →see dropped QRS w/ fixed PR intervals
  • P waves are regular
  • R-waves are irregular
60
Q
A

Atrial Fibrillation

  • Rate: variable
  • Rhythm: irregular
  • Ratio of P to QRS: not applicable (due to no discernible P waves)
    • QRS duration: 0.04-0.10
  • R-R interval: Irregular
61
Q

Occurs when AV node takes over as pacemaker

A

Junctional Rhythm

62
Q

Torsades de Pointes are seen only during…

A

toxic antiarrhythmia therapy

63
Q

Junctional Rhythm AKA

A

Junctional Escape Rhythm

64
Q

diagnosis

A

3rd Degree AV Heart Block

  • P-waves are regukar
  • R-waves are regular
  • But both are INDEPENDENT of each other
65
Q

Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT or PSVT) treatment

A
  • Determine underlying cause and tx
  • Discontinue meds
  • Autonomic stimulation:
    • Valsalva, coughing, gagging,
  • drink an ice cold liquid
  • B blockers
66
Q

SA node fires but impulse is delayed on it’s way to AV node OR it’s initiated in AV node and conduction is prolonged

A

First Degree AV Heart Block

67
Q

Every normal beat (normal R-R) is followed by a premature contraction (PVC)

68
Q

Type of arrythmia

A

Sinus Arrhythmia:

  • All P waves are identical
  • P for every QRS
  • PR interval is b/t 0.12-0.2 sec
  • QRS complexes are identical w/QRS duration b/t 0.04-0.10 sec
  • R-R interval varies
  • HR is between 60-100 bpm but varies
69
Q

Diagnosis, cause, type of rhythym,

A

Atrial Flutter:

  • Cause: rapid firing of ectopic foci in the atria
  • Rate: atrial 250-350 bpm
  • Rhythm: regular
  • P waves are identical b/c it’s the same foci firing
  • Relationship between P wave “saw tooth flutter waves” and QRS complex: 2,3,4 or more flutter waves for each QRS
    • QRS is usually normal w/ QRS duration 0.04-0.12 sec
    • R to R intervals vary
    • May be regular or irregular
    • Often when palpate pulse will feel “regularly irregular” rhythm
70
Q

positive QRS in V1 and negative QRS in V6

A

Right Bundle Branch Block

71
Q

⚡️

Cardioversion is a medical procedure done to restore a normal heart rhythm for people who have certain types of abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias). Cardioversionis most often done by sending__________ to your heart through electrodes placed on your chest.

A

electric shocks

72
Q

occur every third beat

A

Trigeminal / Trigeminy

73
Q
A

Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)

  • Underlying Sinus Rhythm
  • Normal complexes have P for every QRS
74
Q

intra-atrial tracts rythym

75
Q

12 lead EKG is used for

A

Diagnostic purposes

76
Q

💡diagnosis

  • Commonly related w/respiratory cycle:
    • Increase HR: inspiration
    • Decrease HR: exhalation
  • Irregularity with vagal stimulation
  • Common in young/elderly
  • Decrease with exertion
  • Treatment: None normally needed
A

Sinus Arrhythmia

77
Q

In hypertrophic heart

Lead ____ is used to assess electrical activity in both ventricles

78
Q

R Bundle Branch Block is best seen in whihc leads?

A
  • V1 & V2
  • See “Rabbit ear” appearance of R wave
79
Q

count down method

A

300-150-100-75-60-50-43-37-33-30

80
Q

Treatment implication of sinus bradycardia

A

– If symptomatic, call RN → Expect pt to be tx’d medically and/or pacemaker placement

81
Q

ST segment elevation = earliest consistent sign
+ Significant Q waves >.04 sec (all leads except AVR)

Diagnosis?

A

Infarction

82
Q

bundle of His, R and L Bundle Branches and Purkingje fibers rythym

83
Q
A

(Paroxysmal) Junctional Tachycardia

  • Similar to Junctional rhythm, but rate is higher:
    • Rate usually greater than 100 (Dubin: 150-250 bpm)
  • P waves are absent except for retrograde
  • QRS identical w/QRS duration: 0.04-0.10
  • R-R is regular
  • AVNRT (AV Nodal Reentry Tachycardia)
84
Q

originate from one focus

A

Unifocal

(P-waves looks the the same or different?)

85
Q

👉🏻type of problem

Sinus bradycardia is often seen in…

A

heart block problems

86
Q

Abnormal quivering or twitching of atria due to multiple ectopic atrial foci. Produce rapid, erratic atrial rhythm. Atria do NOT fully depolarize → AV node controls impulses which “get through” and creates an irregular rhythm

A

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

87
Q

Transmural MI, Acute (min to hours)

A
  • ST segment elevation
  • Hyper-acute T waves
88
Q

occur as a single event

89
Q

Negative QRS in V1 and a positive QRS in V6

A

Left bundle branch block

90
Q
A

atrial flutter

91
Q

SA node rythym

A

60-100 bpm

92
Q

What is the cause of atrial flutter?

A

Rapid firing of ectopic foci in the atria

93
Q

Decreased CO can result:

A
  • fatigue, dizzy, lightheaded, sob
94
Q

In a junctional rhythm, ________ P-wave prior to QRS. And may see retrograde P’s.

95
Q

💡similar to another

Atrial fibrilation treatment:

A
  • Same as for a-flutter
  • Medication: digoxin, verapamil, anticoagulants
  • Cardioversion (shock)
  • Possible PPM (pace maker)
96
Q

Atrial Flutter, signs/symptoms/sauses:

A
  • Numerous pathologies:
    • RHD, MV dz, CAD, MI, Renal dz, hypoxemia, pericarditis, stress, drugs
  • May lead to a-fib
97
Q
A

Right Bundle Branch Block

98
Q

diagnosis

  • Stress
  • Stimulants (tobacco, ETOH, caffeine)
  • Abnormal blood levels of magnesium &/or potassium
  • Underlying heart disease (HTN, valve d/o, prior MI)
  • Irregularities may be palpated
  • Patient may feel “palpitations”
A

Premature Atrial Contraction

99
Q
A

1st Degree AV block

100
Q

Treatment of sinus tachycardia

A
  • Assess Vitals and Signs and Symptoms for Decreased CO
  • Team to Assess and Treat Underlying Cause
101
Q

2, 3, 4 or more flutter waves for each QRS

A

atrail flutter

102
Q

Dangers of afib:

A
  • Peripheral and Pulmonary emboli (30% can develop emboli)
    • Need to ANTICOAGULATE
  • Precipitate or aggravate CHF
  • CO can decrease
103
Q

Junctional rhythm treament

A
  • (atropine) – PPM
  • Identify problem and tx
  • Meds to increase HR
104
Q

QRS appears normal. w/QRS duration: 0.04-0.10. R-R interval is regular. Rate: 40-60 bpm

A

Junctional Rhythm

105
Q

can cause the heart to beat very rapidly or erratically →the heart may beat inefficiently→ the body may receive an inadequate blood supply

A

Supraventricular Tachycardia

106
Q

ST segment depression and inverted T waves, but come back to normal with rest

107
Q
A

atrial fibrilation

108
Q
A

Sinus Bradycardia

  • Rate – Less than 60 bpm
  • Rhythm – regular
  • Relationship of P wave to QRS Complex – 1:1
109
Q
A

Asystole

CALL A CODE

  • Cardiac Arrest – circulation stops
  • Need some electrical activity in order to use a defibrillator, therefore not warranted in asystole
110
Q
A

Ventricular Fibrillation (V Fib)

  • No pulse, No BP, No Cardiac Output
  • CALL A CODE, begin CPR
  • Defibrillate
  • Medical management
111
Q
A

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT or VTach)

  • Medical Emergency
  • Sustained Vtach (> 30 sec)
  • Non-Sustained Vtach (duration of less than 30 sec)
112
Q

Series of 3 or more PVCs in a row

A

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT or VTach)

113
Q
A

PVCs
Couplet & Triplet

114
Q

Appears as a “spike” on the EKG or rhythm strip, at regular intervals

A

Pacemakers

115
Q
A

Ventricular Pacing

116
Q
A

A-V Sequential Demand

117
Q
  • Ischemia, acute infarction, hypertensive heart dz, cardiomyopathy, med toxicity (digoxin)
  • Occasionally happens w/ athletes-? Electrolyte imbalance during exercise
  • Medical emergency: can lead to V-fib – Symptoms of decreased CO and BP → lightheadedness, syncope
  • Weak, thready pulse can be palpated
A

Ventricular Tachycardia

118
Q

treatment of ventricular tachycardia

A
  • Meds: lidocaine, procanimide
  • Cardioversion/Defibrillation
  • Get pt back to bed ASAP and call for help; assess pulse
120
Q

left bundle branch block is best seen in which leads?

A

V5 and V6?

WilliaM

Cardiac Pathologies (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions