Introduction to EKG and Telemetry Flashcards
THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM ….
Defines the graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart.
Is the printed record of the electrical activity of the heart on what is called a rhythm strip or an ECG strip.
Records electrical activity from the muscular contractions that spreads throughout the body and can be detected on the surface on the skin.
The term “electrocardiogram” and our modern-day combination of leads started…
around 1890 with Einthoven
Earlier equipment measured slight amounts of electricity using which units….
millivolts or mV
Holter units ….
are named after Dr. N.J. Holter, a Montana Physician
developed in 1949
permit recordings over long periods of time during routine daily life including various activities and exercise.
was originally a 75 lb (34.02 kg) backpack but are now much smaller in size
Where is the heart located in the human anatomy?
in the chest cavity under the sternum, middle-left side
What are the basic four limb electrodes?
right arm
left arm
right leg
left leg
Limb Lead I is oriented from…..
from the right arm (-) toward the left arm (+)
Limb Lead II is oriented from …
from the right arm toward the left leg
Limb Lead III is oriented from…
from the left arm toward the left leg
Limb Lead aVR is the augmented lead toward…
augmented lead toward the right (arm)
Limb Lead aVL is the augmented lead toward…
augmented lead toward the left (arm)
Limb Lead aVF is the augmented lead toward…
augmented lead toward the foot
Chest Leads are represented by which letter and number combinations?
V1 through V6
Which leads create the classic “Einthoven’s triangle”?
Limb Leads I, II, III
Electrocardiograms are often done in which locations?
doctor’s offices
clinics
hospital rooms
Which symptoms indicate that a patient may be in need of an ECG?
Dizziness, lightheadedness or confusion Weakness, fatigue or a decline in ability to exercise. Heart palpitations Rapid pulse Shortness of breath Chest pain
What is a Holter monitor used for?
If symptoms tend to come and go, they may not be captured during a standard ECG recording so a Holter Monitor is used to record a patient over a longer period of time. Holter monitors are typically used continuously for 24-48 hours.