Part 3: Identifying a Rhythm Checkpoints

Question 1

Is the rhythm regular? Yes

Answer 1

The R-R is the same across the strip.

Question 2

Is the rhythm regular? No

Answer 2

The R-R is not consistent acroSs the strip.

Question 3

Does the rhythm have P-Waves? Yes

Answer 3

This rhythm most likely originates from the atria.

Question 4

Does the rhythm have P-Waves? No

Answer 4

This rhythm does not originate in the atria

Question 5

Are the P Waves the same morphology? Yes

Answer 5

Then the impulse comes from the same place in the atria.

Question 6

Are the P Waves the same morphology? No

Answer 6

Then the impulse is coming from different points within the atria

Question 7

Are the P-Waves upright? Yes

Answer 7

They are coming from the atria

Question 8

Are the P-Waves upright? No

Answer 8

They are coming from the AV Junction.

Question 9

Are the PRls the same across the strip? Yes

Answer 9

The Atria is firing from the same pace and the AV node is conducting correctly.

Question 10

Are the PRls the same across the strip?No

Answer 10

The beat may be coming from somewhere other than the SA Node or the AV Node may not be functioning correctly.

Question 11

What is the P:QRS ratio? If 1:1

Answer 11

The AV Node is conducting correctly.

Question 12

What is the P:QRS ratio? Not 1:1

Answer 12

The AV Node may be functioning incorrectly or not at all.

Question 13

Are the QRSs within normal limits?
Yes

Answer 13

The beat is most likely coming from the SA Node and conducting the Bundle Branches properly.

Question 14

Are the QRSs within normal limits?
No

Answer 14

The Bundle Branches may not be functioning properly or the beat may be coming from the ventricles.

Question 15

Are there any grouped complexes?
Yes

Answer 15

There may be ectopic beats or some form of AV Block.

Question 16

Are there any grouped complexes? No

Answer 16

Then the heart might be conducting normally.

Question 17

Are there any dropped beats? Yes

Answer 17

Then the AV Node may be malfunctioning.

Question 18

Are there any dropped beats? No

Answer 18

Then the AV Node is functioning properly, considering normal results from the other answers. It depends.