Questions and Answers
What is an electrode?
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?
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Define bipolar leads.
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What are augmented leads?
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What are unipolar leads?
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What is a precordial lead?
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Define a multichannel recorder.
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What does 'input' refer to in ECG terminology?
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What is signal processing in an ECG machine?
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What is an output display in an ECG machine?
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What is a serial ECG comparison?
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What controls the speed of the ECG tracing?
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What is the normal speed for ECG paper?
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What is gain in ECG terminology?
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What does 'millivolt (mV)' measure?
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What is Hertz (Hz)?
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What is an artifact in an ECG tracing?
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What is the purpose of using 40 Hz?
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What is the LCD display used for in ECG machines?
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What are disposable electrodes?
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Define silver electrodes.
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How can ECG graph paper be destroyed?
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What is the measurement of an ECG graph paper box?
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What is the 300 method used for?
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What is the most accurate method for calculating heart rate?
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What is the 6-second method used for?
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What does the term 'aVR' refer to?
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What is lead aVF?
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What does lead aVL measure?
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Define tachycardia.
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What is bradycardia?
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What can destroy ECG graph paper?
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What is dot matrix paper?
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What test is done to view the heart at 12 different angles?
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How many leads are used in a 12 lead ECG?
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Name the augmented leads.
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How many leads does a multichannel ECG record at one time?
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What are the functions of an ECG machine?
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What should you do if ECG deflections are not large enough?
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Why change the speed of ECG tracing?
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What are the major controls of an ECG?
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At a paper speed of 25 mm/sec, how many boxes represent 1 second?
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If speed is set at 25 mm/sec, what time does 1 small box represent?
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What type of electrode is used for serial ECGs?
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What is the most accurate method for determining heart rate?
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What method is used to approximate normal rhythm heart rate?
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What method is sometimes used for irregular rhythm?
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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!