ECG Key Terms Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is an electrode?

A part of an ECG machine

A type of heart medication

A small device that amplifies sound

Small sensors placed on skin that detect electrical activity from the heart (correct)

What are leads in the context of ECG?

Covered wires that conduct the electrical impulse from the electrodes to the ECG machine.

What is Einthoven's triangle?

The leads between the three limb electrodes: standard lead I, II and III.

What does the term 'Limb leads' refer to?

The four leads used with a 4-lead ECG. Signup and view all the answers

Define bipolar leads.

Measures flow of electrical current in both ways at the same time, limb leads. Signup and view all the answers

What are augmented leads?

The second 3 leads known as AVR, AVL, AVF. Signup and view all the answers

What are unipolar leads?

ECG leads that only measure electrical current in one direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a precordial lead?

Lead placed on chest in front of the heart; V lead, V1-V6. Signup and view all the answers

Define a multichannel recorder.

An ECG machine that monitors all 12 leads but records three leads at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'input' refer to in ECG terminology?

Data entered into the ECG machine, usually through the electrodes on skin surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is signal processing in an ECG machine?

The process that amplifies the electrical impulse and converts it to a mechanical action on the output display. Signup and view all the answers

What is an output display in an ECG machine?

The part of the ECG machine that displays the tracing for the electrical activity of the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What is a serial ECG comparison?

Multiple and frequent ECG tracings recorded at intervals based on the patient's condition. Signup and view all the answers

What controls the speed of the ECG tracing?

A control on the ECG machine that regulates how fast or slow the paper runs during the tracing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal speed for ECG paper?

25 mm/sec. Signup and view all the answers

What is gain in ECG terminology?

A control on the ECG machine that increases or decreases the size of the ECG tracing. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'millivolt (mV)' measure?

Voltage on the ECG tracing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hertz (Hz)?

The unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second. Signup and view all the answers

What is an artifact in an ECG tracing?

Unwanted marks on ECG tracing caused by activity other than the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using 40 Hz?

Normally used to prevent artifacts on ECG. Signup and view all the answers

What is the LCD display used for in ECG machines?

To enter data. Signup and view all the answers

What are disposable electrodes?

Most used electrodes that are thrown away after one use. Signup and view all the answers

Define silver electrodes.

Used for patients in hospitals who require multiple or frequent ECGs. Signup and view all the answers

How can ECG graph paper be destroyed?

By alcohol, plastic, sunlight, x-ray film, pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the measurement of an ECG graph paper box?

0.04 seconds/1 mm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 300 method used for?

Approximation of heart rate when rhythms are regular. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate method for calculating heart rate?

The 1500 method. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 6-second method used for?

Used for irregular rhythms, children, approximately heart rate. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'aVR' refer to?

An augmented lead that measures electrical activity from the heart to the right arm. Signup and view all the answers

What is lead aVF?

Augmented foot lead that records electrical activity from the heart to the foot. Signup and view all the answers

What does lead aVL measure?

Augmented left arm lead that records electrical activity from the heart to the left arm. Signup and view all the answers

Define tachycardia.

A condition where heart rate is between 100-150 bpm. Signup and view all the answers

What is bradycardia?

A condition where heart rate is less than 60 bpm. Signup and view all the answers

What can destroy ECG graph paper?

Alcohol, plastic, sunlight, x-ray film, pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is dot matrix paper?

It is easier to read, requires less ink, and produces sharper photocopies. Signup and view all the answers

What test is done to view the heart at 12 different angles?

12 lead ECG. Signup and view all the answers

How many leads are used in a 12 lead ECG?

10 leads. Signup and view all the answers

Name the augmented leads.

aVL, aVR, aVF. Signup and view all the answers

How many leads does a multichannel ECG record at one time?

3 to 6 leads. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of an ECG machine?

Input, output, signal processing. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if ECG deflections are not large enough?

Increase gain. Signup and view all the answers

Why change the speed of ECG tracing?

To adjust for bradycardia or tachycardia conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the major controls of an ECG?

Speed, gain, artifact filter, LCD display, lead selector, heart rate limits. Signup and view all the answers

At a paper speed of 25 mm/sec, how many boxes represent 1 second?

25 boxes. Signup and view all the answers

If speed is set at 25 mm/sec, what time does 1 small box represent?

0.04 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What type of electrode is used for serial ECGs?

Silver electrodes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate method for determining heart rate?

1500 method. Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to approximate normal rhythm heart rate?

300 method. Signup and view all the answers

What method is sometimes used for irregular rhythm?

6-second method. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms in ECG

Electrode: Small sensors placed on the skin to detect the heart's electrical activity.
Leads: Covered wires conducting electrical impulses from electrodes to the ECG machine.
Einthoven's Triangle: Configuration of the first three leads (I, II, III) formed by limb electrodes.
Limb Leads: Four leads used in a 4-lead ECG positioned on the arms and legs.
Bipolar Leads: Measure electrical current flow in both directions simultaneously, associated with limb leads.
Augmented Leads: Comprising aVR, aVL, aVF; these leads have amplified tracings for better interpretation.
Unipolar Leads: Focus on measuring electrical current in one direction, includes augmented leads and precordial leads.

Types of Leads

Precordial Lead: Leads (V1-V6) placed on the chest to monitor heart activity.
Multichannel Recorder: ECG machine that monitors all 12 leads, recording three leads at a time.
Input: Data entered into the ECG machine via electrodes on the skin surface.

ECG Machine Functions

Signal Processing: Amplifies the electrical pulse and converts it for display.
Output Display: Shows the heart's electrical activity tracing, typically printed.
Serial ECG Comparison: Involves frequent ECG tracings to monitor patient changes over time.

ECG Settings and Measurements

Speed Control: Regulates the paper speed during ECG tracing.
Normal Speed: Typically set at 25 mm/sec.
Gain: Adjusts the size of the ECG tracing on the output display.
Millivolt (mV): Unit for measuring voltage on ECG tracings.
Hertz (Hz): Unit of frequency equivalent to one cycle per second.

Artifacts and Maintenance

Artifact: Unwanted traces on ECG caused by non-cardiac activity.
40 Hz Filter: Typically employed to minimize artifacts on ECG.

Electrode Types

Disposable Electrodes: Single-use electrodes commonly employed in ECG.
Silver Electrodes: Used for patients undergoing multiple or serial ECGs.

ECG Graph Paper and Methods

ECG Graph Paper: Sensitive to various elements; can be affected by alcohol, sunlight, or pressure.
300 Method: Quick heart rate estimation for regular rhythms (count boxes between R waves, divide by 300).
1500 Method: Most accurate calculation for heart rate (count boxes between R waves, divide by 1500).
6-Second Method: Used for irregular rhythms; count complexes in a 6-second interval and multiply by 10.

Heart Rate and Rhythm

Tachycardia: Heart rate exceeding 100 bpm; increase paper speed to 50 mm/sec for better representation.
Bradycardia: Heart rate below 60 bpm; reduce paper speed to 25 mm/sec.

ECG Tracing Questions

ECG Testing Angles: A 12-lead ECG evaluates heart activity from 12 different perspectives.
Major Controls of ECG Machine: Include speed, gain, artifact filter, LCD display, lead selector, and heart rate limits.
Box Representation: A speed of 25 mm/sec means one small box represents 0.04 seconds.

Conclusion

Understanding ECG terms and machine settings is crucial for effective monitoring and interpretation of cardiac activity. Familiarity with lead types, measurement methods, and potential artifacts enhances diagnostic accuracy.

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Description

Test your understanding of key terms related to electrocardiograms (ECG) in this informative quiz. Explore essential concepts such as electrodes, leads, and Einthoven's triangle. Perfect for medical students and healthcare professionals looking to review their knowledge!