Ventricular Dysrhythmias Flashcards

1
Q

Name three Ventricular Dysrhythmias.

A

Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
Ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular fibrillation

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2
Q

Where do Premature Ventricular Contractions come from?

A

Derived from an ectopic focus in the VENTRICLES.

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3
Q

Does PVC come Earlier than the QRS should?

A

Yes

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4
Q

What are the characteristics of QRS during a Premature Ventricular Contraction?

A

QRS is WIDE AND DISTORTED in shape (wide,ugly beat). Typically does not perfuse.

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5
Q

Premature Ventricular Contractions follow a normal rhythm or p-wave (True/False)?

A

False

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6
Q

What causes Premature Ventricular Contractions?

A
Stimulants 
ELECTROLYTES
hypoxia
fever
Exercise
Emotional stress 
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
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7
Q

What drugs to use if patient has a tendency towards Premature Ventricular Contractions?

A

Beta-Blockers, lidocaine and amiodarone.

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8
Q

How do we decrease the likelihood of Premature Ventricular Contractions?

A

Treat the cause.

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9
Q

What are the Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) Subtypes?

A

Bigeminy- (every other beat). Every other beat is concerning because patient converting to Ventricular tachycardia. This is a CRISIS SITUATION!

Trigeminy- (every 3rd beat)

Quadrigeminy-(every 4th beat)

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10
Q

When should we notify Healthcare provider (HCP) concerning PVC’s?

A

New in Onset and INCREASE in FREQUENCY.

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11
Q

What is Ventricular Tachycardia?

A

Consists of 3 or more PVC’s together. Ectopic focus within the ventricles takes control and fires repeatedly. No ATRIAL contractions occurring.

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12
Q

Why is Ventricular tachycardia SERIOUS?

A

Decreases cardiac output/Lack of perfusion. This can be DEADLY!

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13
Q

What Ventricular tachycardia associated with?

A
MI (Myocardial Infarction)
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)
Significant electrolyte abnormalities
Heart failure 
Drug toxicity & Other Bad Things!
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14
Q

Ventricular tachycardia rate and rhythm?

A

150-200bpm, usually regular

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15
Q

When a patient is in V-tach the P-wave is evident and PR is measurable (True/False)

A

False

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16
Q

How do we treat Ventricular tachycardia?

A

ACLS Advance Cardiac Life Support (this is a course)➡️ depends on pulse, patient will be symptomatic very quickly unless converts back to baseline rhythm.

17
Q

What pharmalogy treatments are used for Ventricular tachycardia?

A

May need an anti-dysrhythmic medication (Beta-blocker, Calcium Channel Blockers or amiodarone), Electrolyte replacement (Check & replace)

18
Q

What is the First question to ask before treating Ventricular tachycardia?

A

Does patient have a pulse (implies perfusion)?

Is patient pulseless (implies no perfusion)?

19
Q

What occurs if we do not treat Ventricular tachycardia?

A

Patient can convert into Ventricular Fibrillation.

Note: The further they slip into Ventricular dysrhythmias, more intractable the treatment (tx doesn’t work well)

20
Q

Define Ventricular Fibrillation

A

Irregular waveforms of varying shapes and sizes (NO QRS).

The ventricles are just “quivering”. .

No effective Contractions=NO CARDIAC OUTPUT Life-threatening

21
Q

How do we treat Ventricular Fibrillation?

A

CPR & ACLS/defibrillation

22
Q

What is the difference between cardioverting and defibrillating at patient?

A

Cardioversion: Elective procedure, Client awake & Frequently sedated, Synchronized with “QRS” (SYNCH ON), 50-200 Joules, consent form & EKG monitor

Defibrillation: Emergency, V-fib/V-tach, No cardiac output, begin with 200 Joules UP TO 360, Client Unconscious, EKG monitor