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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of using electrical conductive gel during electrode attachment?
What is the primary purpose of using electrical conductive gel during electrode attachment?
In which situation is it appropriate to position a patient in sternal recumbency for an ECG?
In which situation is it appropriate to position a patient in sternal recumbency for an ECG?
What does ECG interpretation require when analyzing the relationship between P waves and QRS complexes?
What does ECG interpretation require when analyzing the relationship between P waves and QRS complexes?
Which of the following conditions would prompt the need for an ECG?
Which of the following conditions would prompt the need for an ECG?
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What is the first step in the systematic approach to ECG interpretation?
What is the first step in the systematic approach to ECG interpretation?
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What does the P wave in an ECG represent?
What does the P wave in an ECG represent?
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Which limb lead configuration has the left forelimb (LF) as the positive pole?
Which limb lead configuration has the left forelimb (LF) as the positive pole?
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What is the primary purpose of using an ECG?
What is the primary purpose of using an ECG?
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At what speed does an ECG recording typically run, as indicated in the content?
At what speed does an ECG recording typically run, as indicated in the content?
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Which component of the ECG represents ventricular repolarization?
Which component of the ECG represents ventricular repolarization?
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What does the height of an ECG trace indicate?
What does the height of an ECG trace indicate?
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Which scenario is NOT typically assessed using an ECG?
Which scenario is NOT typically assessed using an ECG?
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Where are electrodes typically placed when setting up an ECG?
Where are electrodes typically placed when setting up an ECG?
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Study Notes
ECG Seminar - Diagnostic Aids
- Course: FdSc Veterinary Nursing, Level 5
- Institution: Nottingham Trent University
- Topic Outline: Revision of the cardiac conduction cycle, What is an ECG?, Setting up an ECG
Cardiac Conduction Cycle
- The heart's electrical system controls its rhythmic contractions.
- The system includes the sinoatrial node (SAN), atrioventricular node (AVN), bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.
- These structures regulate the sequence of electrical impulses, ensuring coordinated heart muscle contractions.
What is an ECG?
- ECG stands for electrocardiogram.
- An ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart.
- By placing electrodes on the skin, electrical activity as it passes through the heart can be measured.
- The record shows the electrical events of the heart, allowing for assessment of normal or abnormal heart activity.
- The resulting tracing (ECG) display the heart's conduction pattern in the form of waveforms and intervals.
Electrical Control of the Heart
- The heart's electrical impulses are measurable.
- Cardiac muscle is strong.
- Electrodes placed externally on the body allow measurement of the electrical activity.
- ECG instruments record these measurements.
ECG Components in the Cardiac Cycle
- P wave: Represents atrial depolarization.
- QRS wave: Represents ventricular depolarization.
- T wave: Represents ventricular repolarization.
ECG Trace
- Height represents voltage changes (10mm per mV).
- Length represents timing (25mm per second, each mm is 0.04 seconds).
- Key intervals include PR, QRS, and QT.
- The tracing shows the different parts of the cardiac cycle.
Uses of ECG
- Assess heart rate and regularity.
- Assess size and position of heart chambers.
- Identify damage to the heart.
- Used in cases like heart conditions, anesthesia, toxaemia, electrolyte imbalances (e.g., GDV).
Setting Up an ECG
- Electrodes: Crocodile clips (can be traumatic) or adhesive pads (less traumatic, for example "comfy clips"), and conductive gel for good contact with skin.
- Attachment: For clips, use elbows and stifles; for adhesive pads, use paw pads, axilla or groin (minimal hair).
- Patient Positioning: Right lateral recumbency, or other positions/pads to separate limbs for clarity.
24-Hour Holter Monitoring
- Allows long-term ECG monitoring using adhesive pads.
ECG Interference
- Movement and electrical interference can affect the quality of ECG recordings.
When to do an ECG
- Arrhythmias
- Drug toxicity
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Emergencies
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Post-surgical (e.g., GDV)
ECG Interpretation - Systematic Approach
- Assess heart rate: Bradycardia, Tachycardia, or Normal?
- Analyze heart rhythm: Regular, Irregular, or Regularly Irregular?
- Examine QRS complex in relation to the P wave.
- Examine P wave in relation to the QRS complex.
- Evaluate the relationship between the P wave and the QRS complex.
- Analyze the QRS morphology.
Heart Rate and Rhythm Analysis
- Rate: Count QRS complexes within a specific time frame (e.g., 10 seconds).
- Rhythm: Check for consistent intervals between P-QRS-T complexes.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the essentials of the cardiac conduction cycle and electrocardiograms (ECGs) relevant to veterinary nursing. It explores the heart's electrical system, the setup of ECGs, and their importance in diagnosing heart activity. Perfect for students in level 5 of Veterinary Nursing at Nottingham Trent University.
