Performing EKG Flashcards
How to read a graph?
- HORIZONTAL READINGS represent time
- VERTICAL READINGS represent voltage & amplitude
DISTANCE IS TIME & HEIGHT IS VOLTAGE
What does a large box consist of?
A large box is made of 5x5 small boxes
- Length is of (.2 sec)
- Voltage is of 5mm
What does a small box consist of?
A small box is a 1x1 single box
- Length is of (0.04 sec)
- Voltage is 1mm
What are the three way to calculate heart rate with printed ECG’s?
- The 6-second Method
- The 1500 Method
- The R-R Interval / 300 Method
Ways to calculate heart rate?
- 6-second Method
- 1500 Method
- R-R/300 Method
6 - SECOND METHOD:
- Find 6 second tracing and counting ONLY the # of COMPLETE COMPLEXES
- Multiply # by 10 and get heart approximation
1500 METHOD:
- Count # of small squares between two R-waves and divide by 1500
1500/18: 83.33 = 83 BMP
R-R METHOD:
Dividing the # of large boxes between two R waves
300/.5: 85.714 = 85 BMP
ECG PROCEDURE INCLUDE:
- Avoiding / turning off non essential electrical equipment
* Keeping electrical cords out the way
PATIENT IDENTIFICATION:
Asking….
- Name/ date of birth/ location/ patient #
- Verifying spelling, location/ date/ time
- Verifying medication and special conditions
ELECTRODE PLACEMENT:
- Prep with alcohol pad to remove natural oils or lotions, shave if necessary
- V1 on the 4th intercostal space between rib 4 and 5 on the right of sternal border
- V2 mirrors V1 on left sternal border
- V3 between V2 and V4 (varies)
- V5 on the 5th line with V4 at the anterior axillary line
- V6 on V5 at the midaxillary line
- Lift breast with backhand if female
- Limb electrodes are placed on wrist and ankles, alternatives include shoulder and upper legs
MIDCLAVICULAR LINE:
Starts at the center of the clavicle and pasess through the nipple
ANTERIOR AXILLARY LINE:
Starts at front of the axilla and down the left side of the chest
MID-AXILLARY LINE:
Middle of the axilla (armpit) and down the side of the chest
INTERCOSTAL SPACES:
Dips between the ribs
