EKG Practice Strips Flashcards

EKG Rhythms and Conditions

• Atrial Flutter: Characterized by rapid atrial contractions, often leading to decreased cardiac output.
• Bundle Branch Block: Conduction block in the bundle branches, visible as a widened QRS complex on EKG.
• First Degree AV Block: Prolonged PR interval; all atrial impulses are conducted to the ventricles.
• Junctional Rhythm: Occurs when the AV node takes over pacemaking role, generally exhibiting inverted or absent P waves.
• Normal Sinus Rhythm: Heart rhythm originating from the SA node, characterized by a heart rate of 60-100 bpm and a regular rhythm.
• Second Degree AV Block, Type 2: Intermittent failure of conduction of some atrial impulses, with a consistent PR interval.
• Sinus Arrhythmia: Variability in heart rate with respiration, reflecting vagal tone changes.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Increased heart rate above 100 bpm with normal rhythm and P waves.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Heart rate below 60 bpm with normal P waves and QRS complexes.
• SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia): Rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, often with narrow QRS complexes.
• Torsades de Pointes: A specific form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with a prolonged QT interval.
• Third Degree Heart Block (Complete Heart Block): A complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity, resulting in independent pacing.
• Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib): Chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.
• Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib): Irregularly irregular rhythm, with no discernible P waves; can lead to thromboembolic complications.
• Asystole: A state of no electrical activity in the heart, requiring immediate intervention.
• PACs (Premature Atrial Contractions): Early atrial heartbeat that can disrupt normal rhythm; may be benign or indicate underlying issues.
• PVC (Premature Ventricular Contractions): Early ventricular beats that can be isolated or occur in patterns (bigeminy, trigeminy).
• R-on-T Phenomenon: Occurs when a PVC falls on the T wave of the preceding beat, increasing risk for V-Fib.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Dysfunction of the sinus node, leading to alternating bradycardia and tachycardia.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW): A condition characterized by an accessory pathway leading to premature ventricular activation and potential tachycardia.
• Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm: A benign rhythm seen often after myocardial infarction, with a rate of 40-100 bpm.
• Junctional Escape Rhythm: Occurs when the junctional tissue becomes the primary pacemaker, typically resulting in a slower heart rate.
• Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia: Multiple ectopic atrial pacemakers cause a rapid heart rate, with varying P wave shapes.
• Sinus Block: A temporary failure of the SA node to produce a heartbeat, marked by lost PQRST complexes.
• Sinus Arrest: A longer pause in the sinus node activity, leading to dropped beats without reversion to their previous cycle.

Rhythm Characteristics and Recognition

• Recognition of different rhythms involves evaluating the P waves, PR intervals, and QRS complexes.
• Common rhythms such as Sinus Tachycardia and Sinus Bradycardia represent physiological responses to metabolic demands or autonomic influences.
• Advanced conditions like complete heart block and arrhythmias such as A-Fib and V-Fib necessitate immediate clinical attention.
• Familiarity with key features and EKG presentations enhances diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings.

Test your knowledge of EKG terminology with these flashcards. Each card presents an essential term related to heart rhythms and conduction blocks to enhance your understanding of electrocardiography. Perfect for students preparing for exams or professionals in the medical field.