ACLS Rhythm Review Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is ventricular fibrillation characterized by?

Normal heart rate

Electrical chaos with no real rhythm (correct)

Coarse rhythm only

Regular rhythm

What does coarse ventricular fibrillation resemble?

Fine ventricular fibrillation (correct)

Third-degree atrioventricular block

An organized rhythm

Sinus rhythm

What pattern is recognized in atrial flutter?

Sawtooth pattern

What is second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz II block)?

Regular contractions with a dropped beat Signup and view all the answers

What defines sinus bradycardia?

Significantly slower heart rate with normal waves Signup and view all the answers

What does normal sinus rhythm consist of?

P, QRS, and T waves Signup and view all the answers

What is pulseless electrical activity?

No pulse with obvious electrical activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of third-degree atrioventricular block?

Complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular rates Signup and view all the answers

How is polymorphic ventricular tachycardia characterized?

Fast rate with changing waveforms Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in asystole?

Start with electrical activity followed by nothing Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 H's in relation to PEA?

Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion, Hyper-/hypokalemia, Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

What defines atrial fibrillation?

Irregular rhythm without constant pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is second-degree AV block (Mobitz I block)?

P-wave with progressively prolonged PR-interval Signup and view all the answers

What is monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?

Fast rate with consistent waveform Signup and view all the answers

What initiates supraventricular tachycardia?

Normal sinus rhythm before tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

What defines sinus tachycardia?

Normal rhythm with fast heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What defines normal sinus rhythm?

Rhythm that is consistent and regular Signup and view all the answers

What is pulseless ventricular tachycardia?

Greater than 180 bpm with pulselessness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ventricular Fibrillation

Fine ventricular fibrillation appears as chaotic electrical activity with no organized rhythm.
Coarse ventricular fibrillation is a variant with more pronounced electrical chaos but still lacks a clear rhythm.

Atrial Flutter

Characterized by a recognizable "sawtooth" pattern between ventricular contractions, typically displaying a 3:1 conduction ratio.

Second-Degree Atrioventricular Block (Mobitz II)

Regular contractions with consistent PR intervals, but involves sudden dropped beats without progressive PR interval prolongation.

Sinus Bradycardia

A slower-than-normal heart rhythm featuring all standard waveforms (P, QRS, T) but at a reduced rate.

Normal Sinus Rhythm

Represents a regular heart rhythm with P, QRS, and T waves, indicating normal electrical activity.

Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)

Electrical activity is present but there is no measurable pulse; common causes include hypovolemia and hypoxia, necessitating assessment and treatment based on the 5 H's and 5 T's of ACLS.

Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block

Displays a very slow ventricular rate with a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular contractions.

Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes)

Distinguished by a rapid, organized rhythm resembling ventricular fibrillation, with a morphology that alternates in amplitude, creating a twisting pattern.

Agonal Rhythm/Asystole

Begins with electrical activity quickly leading to cessation of heart activity; CPR is required immediately.

5 H's: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hyper-/hypokalemia, Hypoglycemia, Hypothermia.
5 T's: Toxins, Tamponade (cardiac), Tension pneumothorax, Thrombosis (coronary and pulmonary), Trauma.

Atrial Fibrillation

Recognized as an irregular rhythm with variable ventricular rates and absence of consistent P waves.

Second-Degree Atrioventricular Block (Mobitz I - Wenckebach)

Characterized by progressively prolonging PR intervals followed by a dropped beat, often appearing as a "walking back" pattern of missed beats.

Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Consists of a single waveform morphology consistently present across the rhythm, indicating a fast heart rate.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Initiated by normal sinus rhythm, followed by a sudden increase in heart rate (HR ≥ 150), distinct from regular sinus tachycardia.

Sinus Tachycardia

A normal sinus rhythm with shorter RR intervals, indicating a faster heart rate while still maintaining identifiable P waves.

Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia

Identified by a high rate (typically >180 bpm), wide QRS complexes, absence of a pulse, and originates from ventricular tissue rather than atrial tissue.

Key Summary Notes

Normal and abnormal rhythms differentiate through patterns and electrical activity.
Awareness of the 5 H's and 5 T's is crucial in managing PEA.
Identifying rhythms accurately is vital for effective ACLS interventions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of basic cardiac rhythms vital for ACLS! This quiz covers 20 essential rhythms, including Ventricular Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter. It's designed to help you memorize and recognize each rhythm's characteristics effectively.