Podcast
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?
- To ensure good electrical contact with the skin (correct)
- To improve the adhesion of the electrode pads
- To prevent movement during the procedure
- To hydrate the skin for better electrode function
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?
- For routine ECG monitoring
- When assessing for arrhythmia
- If the patient is in respiratory distress (correct)
- When using non-adhesive electrode pads
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?
- P waves should occur at irregular intervals.
- Each P wave must be followed by a T wave directly.
- There should be a consistent relationship between P waves and QRS complexes. (correct)
- QRS complexes should outnumber P waves.
Which of the following conditions would prompt the need for an ECG?
Which of the following conditions would prompt the need for an ECG?
What is the first step in the systematic approach to ECG interpretation?
What is the first step in the systematic approach to ECG interpretation?
What does the P wave in an ECG represent?
What does the P wave in an ECG represent?
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?
What is the primary purpose of using an ECG?
What is the primary purpose of using an ECG?
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?
Which component of the ECG represents ventricular repolarization?
Which component of the ECG represents ventricular repolarization?
What does the height of an ECG trace indicate?
What does the height of an ECG trace indicate?
Which scenario is NOT typically assessed using an ECG?
Which scenario is NOT typically assessed using an ECG?
Where are electrodes typically placed when setting up an ECG?
Where are electrodes typically placed when setting up an ECG?
Flashcards
Adhesive pads
Adhesive pads
Adhesive pads are a type of electrode used in ECGs, typically placed on paw pads for minimal hair.
Electrode Conductive Gel
Electrode Conductive Gel
Electrodes need good contact with the skin for accurate ECG readings. Electrical conductive gel is used with crocodile clips, but adhesive pads are already coated with the gel.
Cable Colours
Cable Colours
Different countries have different color codes for ECG cables. Familiarize yourself with the color coding specific to your location.
Electrical Interference
Electrical Interference
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Movement of the Patient
Movement of the Patient
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ECG Principle
ECG Principle
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What does an ECG assess?
What does an ECG assess?
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What is a lead in ECG?
What is a lead in ECG?
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How are ECG leads defined?
How are ECG leads defined?
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How does an ECG trace display heart activity?
How does an ECG trace display heart activity?
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What do the different ECG components represent?
What do the different ECG components represent?
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When is an ECG useful?
When is an ECG useful?
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What are ECG electrodes?
What are ECG electrodes?
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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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