Questions and Answers
What is ventricular fibrillation characterized by?
What does coarse ventricular fibrillation resemble?
What pattern is recognized in atrial flutter?
Sawtooth pattern
What is second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz II block)?
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What defines sinus bradycardia?
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What does normal sinus rhythm consist of?
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What is pulseless electrical activity?
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What is the characteristic of third-degree atrioventricular block?
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How is polymorphic ventricular tachycardia characterized?
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What occurs in asystole?
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What are the 5 H's in relation to PEA?
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What defines atrial fibrillation?
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What is second-degree AV block (Mobitz I block)?
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What is monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?
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What initiates supraventricular tachycardia?
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What defines sinus tachycardia?
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What defines normal sinus rhythm?
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What is pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
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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 and 5 T's Related to PEA
- 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.
