EKG Chapter 8 and 9 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where do atrial rhythms originate, and what do they do?

They originate in one or more irritable foci in the atria, then depolarize the atria and head down the conduction pathways to the ventricles.

What are ectopic rhythms?

All atrial rhythms and all rhythms that originate in a pacemaker other than the sinus node.

When a single atrial pulse depolarizes the atria, what happens on the EKG?

Writes a P wave on the EKG.

What is the atrium best known for as another pacemaker of the heart?

Is best known for usurping the underlying sinus rhythm and producing rhythms with rapid heart rates. Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is used when the atria fires off, producing rapid heart rates?

Treatment is aimed at converting the rhythm back to sinus rhythm or returning the heart rate to more normal levels. Signup and view all the answers

Are all atrial rhythms fast?

False Signup and view all the answers

What criteria must be met to determine if a rhythm is atrial in origin?

Matching upright P's rate > at rest; No Ps at all; wavy or sawtooth baseline between QRSs; P waves of > 3 different shapes; Premature abnormal P waves interrupting another rhythm; Heart rate > 130, rhythm regular, P waves not discernible. Signup and view all the answers

Can atrial rhythms have both positive and negative QRS complexes? How?

Yes, they can have a positive QRS or a negative QRS depending on the lead; for example, in lead 2, the QRS should be positive, but in V1 should be negative. Signup and view all the answers

What are the wandering atrial pacemaker (WAP) and multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT)?

Rhythms that occur when the pacemaking impulses originate from at least 3 different foci in the atria. Signup and view all the answers

Are WAP and MAT the same rhythm?

True Signup and view all the answers

What does a focus do?

Produces its own unique P wave, resulting in a rhythm with at least 3 different shapes of P waves. Signup and view all the answers

What are the causes of WAP?

Medication side effects, hypoxia, vagal stimulation, or myocardial infarction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the causes of MAP?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate, regularity, and characteristics for WAP?

WAP rate is around 100, irregularity is present, P waves show at least 3 different shapes, some beats may have no visible P waves at all, and intervals vary. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atrial Rhythms

Atrial rhythms originate from irritable foci in the atria, leading to depolarization that travels through conduction pathways to the ventricles.
Ectopic rhythms encompass all atrial rhythms and any rhythm originating from a pacemaker other than the sinus node.

EKG Representation

A single atrial pulse results in a visible P wave on the EKG.
Atrial pacemakers can disrupt the sinus rhythm, often leading to rapid heart rates.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment focuses on converting the rhythm back to sinus or normalizing the heart rate if conversion is not feasible.

Rhythm Characteristics

Most atrial rhythms are rapid, although some are slower.
To determine if a rhythm is of atrial origin, criteria include a matching rate of upright P waves, absence of P waves, varying shapes of P waves, or a heart rate exceeding 130 with possible undetectable P waves.

QRS Complexes

Atrial rhythms can produce both positive and negative QRS complexes depending on the EKG lead used; for instance, lead II typically shows positive QRS while lead V1 may show negative.

Wondering Atrial Pacemaker (WAP) & Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT)

WAP and MAT arise from at least three different atrial foci, leading to varying heart rates: WAP is slower and MAT is rapid.
Both rhythms share identical characteristics aside from their rates.

Foci and Their Function

A focus generates unique P waves and results in a rhythm that displays at least three different P wave shapes, serving as a central point of impulse generation.

Causes of WAP and MAT

Causes of WAP include medication side effects, hypoxia, vagal stimulation, and myocardial infarction (MI).
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease.

Characteristics and Treatment of WAP and MAT

WAP features a heart rate of 100, irregular regularity, and at least three distinct shapes of P waves, with some beats potentially lacking visible P waves entirely.
Interval characteristics include variable PR intervals and QRS complexes, necessitating targeted treatment based on symptoms and underlying causes.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from chapters 8 and 9 of EKG study material. Explore topics like atrial rhythms, ectopic rhythms, and their implications for heart function. Perfect for students preparing for exams or reviews.