Rapid Interpretation of EKGs - Chapter 2 highlights

Question 1

The EKG is recorded on ruled (graph) paper. The smallest divisions are what sized squares?

Answer 1

1 millimeter squares

Question 2

Between the heavy black lines there are how many squares?

Answer 2

5

Question 3

The height or depth of waves is measured from the baseline in millimeters and is a measure of what?

Answer 3

voltage

Question 4

The ________ of a wave is the direction in which it records on an EKG.

Answer 4

deflection

Question 5

The ________ of a wave is the magnitude (in millimeters) of upward deflection or downward deflection.

Answer 5

amplitude

Question 6

Positive deflections are ________ on the EKG.

Answer 6

upward

Question 7

Negative deflections are _________ on the EKG.

Answer 7

downward

Question 8

The amount of time represented by the distance between two heavy black lines is what?

Answer 8

0.2 seconds

Question 9

Each small division (measured horizontally between two fine lines) represents?

Answer 9

0.04 seconds

Question 10

The standard EKG is composed of 12 separate leads. Six _____ leads and six _____ leads.

Answer 10

six limb leads

six chest leads

Question 11

To obtain the limb leads, electrodes are placed where?

Answer 11

right arm, left arm, and left leg

Question 12

Lead I is horizontal, and its left arm electrode is _______ (positive or negative)?

Answer 12

positive

Question 13

When we consider Lead III, the left arm electrode is now _______, and the left leg electrode is _______. (positive or negative for both blanks)

Answer 13

Lead III - left arm negative, left leg positive

Question 14

Fun fact: The bipolar limb lead configuration (such as leads I, II, and III) are sometimes called?

Answer 14

Einthoven’s triangle

he’s the guy that discovered the EKG

Question 15

What does AVF stand for?

Answer 15

Augmented Voltage Foot

(in order to be able to use the augmented limb leads, the voltage has to be amplified so it will match the wave magnitude of leads I, II, and III)

Question 16

The AVF lead uses the left foot electrode as ______ and both arm electrodes as _______. (positive or negative)

Answer 16

left foot electrode - positive

both arms - negative

Question 17

For AVR, the right arm electrode is _______. (positive or negative)

Answer 17

positive

Question 18

For AVL, the left arm electrode is _______. (positive or negative)

Answer 18

positive

Question 19

The augmented limb leads are sometimes called what?

Answer 19

unipolar limb leads

Question 20

The limb leads and augmented leads, when superimposed on each other, intersect across the _______ plane of the patient’s chest.

Answer 20

frontal

Question 21

There are six chest leads, each of which are positive, placed at six different positions on the chest. What are these called?

Answer 21

V1 - V6

Question 22

What plane do the chest leads read?

Answer 22

the horizontal plane

Question 23

Each of the chest leads is oriented through the ___ _____.

Answer 23

AV node

Question 24

What are the names of the two right chest leads?

Answer 24

V1 and V2

Question 25

What are the names of the two left chest leads?

Answer 25

V5 and V6

Question 26

What are the names of the two chest leads oriented over the interventricular septum?

Answer 26

V3 and V4

Question 27

Proper interpretation of an EKG requires consideration of 5 things. What are they?

Answer 27

1. rate
2. rhythm
3. axis
4. hypertrophy
5. infarction