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.