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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'systole' refer to in cardiac physiology?
What is the main purpose of an ECG?
Which of the following terms refers to abnormal and erratic twitching of the heart muscle?
In the context of ECG, what does 'block' refer to?
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What type of symptoms is indicated for performing an ECG?
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What does the term 'morphology' in an ECG refer to?
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Why might an ECG be routinely performed before surgery?
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What does 'PEA' stand for in cardiac terms?
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Which of the following accurately describes what a segment is in ECG terminology?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting an ECG during surgery?
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In the context of heart function, what does diastole represent?
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Which of the following indicates the presence of an abnormal delay in heart conduction?
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Which condition signifies a complete absence of pulse despite the presence of electrical activity in the heart?
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What is evaluated in an ECG as an indicator of potential heart problems?
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Which symptom would be least likely to warrant an ECG examination?
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The process of an ECG can help identify damage to which aspect of the heart?
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What does the term 'interval' refer to in ECG terminology?
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Which of the following correctly defines 'fibrillation'?
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What is a primary use of an ECG?
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Which symptom is considered a classical indication for performing an ECG?
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What does 'automaticity' refer to in the context of cardiac physiology?
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Which of the following represents the contraction phase of the heart accurately?
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Which of these is NOT a purpose of conducting an ECG?
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What is indicated by an abnormal delay or conduction in the heart?
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Study Notes
EKG Terminology
- Segment: A portion of the EKG waveform that does not include the preceding or following wave.
- Interval: A portion of the EKG waveform that includes the preceding wave but not the following wave.
- Complex: Two or more waves appearing together on an EKG.
- Morphology: The shape of the waveform on an EKG.
- Block: An abnormal delay or disruption in electrical conduction through the heart.
- Systole: The contraction phase of the heart; associated with depolarization.
- Diastole: The resting and refilling phase of the heart; associated with repolarization.
- PEA: Pulseless Electrical Activity, a condition where the heart's electrical activity is present, but there is no pulse.
- EMD: ElectroMechanical Dissociation, a phenomenon where the heart's electrical activity does not result in proper mechanical contraction.
- Fibrillation: Abnormal and erratic twitching of the heart muscle, resulting in quivering rather than coordinated contractions.
EKG Components
- Myocytes: Muscle cells of the heart responsible for electrical and contractile function.
- Automaticity: The inherent ability of certain heart cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses.
- Electrical Conduction Pathway: The route through which electrical impulses travel throughout the heart, starting from the sinoatrial (SA) node and facilitating coordinated contraction.
- EKG Waveforms: The visual representation of electrical activity in the heart recorded on an electrocardiogram.
EKG Applications
- Diagnosis of Heart Disease: EKGs help identify conditions like heart attacks, heart rhythm disorders, and other cardiovascular abnormalities.
- Monitoring During Procedures: EKGs are used to monitor heart function during surgery and in critical care settings.
- Defibrillator Activation: EKGs are integrated into defibrillators to detect when electrical shock therapy is necessary.
Indications for EKG
- Classical Symptoms of Heart Disease: Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, fatigue, and fainting.
- Assessment of Heart Function: EKGs evaluate heart pumping efficiency, electrical conduction, and changes in heart structure.
- Routine Examinations: EKGs are often performed as part of routine physical exams, especially after the age of 40.
- Diagnosis of Heart Conditions: EKGs assist in diagnosing heart rate and rhythm disorders, conduction problems, heart chamber enlargement, myocardial infarction, and electrolyte imbalances.
Electrolytes
- Electrolytes play a crucial role in heart function, impacting electrical conduction and rhythm.
EKG Analysis
- Segments: Provide information about morphology, such as elevation, depression, or changes over time.
- Intervals: Reflect the duration of electrical activity, including the time taken for specific phases of the cardiac cycle.
Terminology
- Segment: Does not include the previous wave or the following wave.
- Interval: Includes the previous wave but not the following wave.
- Complex: Two or more waves.
- Morphology: Shape of a waveform.
- Block: Abnormal delay or conduction.
- Systole: Contraction phase of the heart, or "depolarization".
- Diastole: Resting or refilling phase of the heart, or "repolarization".
Additional Terminology
- PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity): Electrical activity in the heart but no pulse.
- EMD (ElectroMechanical Dissociation): Electrical activity does not match with mechanical activity.
- Fibrillation: Abnormal and erratic twitching of the heart muscle; quivering.
Anatomy and Terms
- Myocytes: Heart muscle cells.
- Automaticity: Ability of certain heart cells to generate electrical impulses.
- Electrical Conduction Pathway: The route of electrical impulses through the heart.
- EKG Waveforms: Visual representations of electrical activity on a recording.
What an ECG Can Show
- Heart rate.
- Rhythm.
- Signs of cardiac enlargement (heart disease).
- Signs of heart injury (heart attack).
Uses of an ECG
- Diagnosing heart disease and abnormalities.
- Monitoring during surgeries and in intensive/cardiac care units.
- Used in defibrillators to detect when electrical shock should be administered.
Indications for an ECG
- Classical symptoms of heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, lethargy, syncope).
- Assessing the heart’s pumping and contracting ability.
- Checking for problems with electrical flow through the heart.
- Diagnosing changes in the heart.
- Routine screening before surgery.
- As part of a complete physical exam after age 40.
- Evaluating conditions like heart rate and rhythm disturbances, conduction disorders, chamber enlargement, myocardial infarction, and electrolyte imbalances.
Electrolytes
- Electrolytes play a crucial role in heart function.
ECG Waveforms
- The ECG consists of five primary waveforms: P, Q, R, S, and T.
Segments
- Segments provide information about morphology, such as elevation, depression, or progression.
Intervals
- Intervals are durations of time that include one segment and one or more waves.
EKG/ECG Terminology
- Segment: A portion of the EKG waveform that does not include the preceding or following wave.
- Interval: A portion of the EKG waveform that includes the preceding wave but not the following wave.
- Complex: A combination of two or more waves.
- Morphology: Refers to the shape of the waveform.
- Block: An abnormal delay or interruption in electrical conduction within the heart.
- Systole: The contraction phase of the heart, also known as "depolarization."
- Diastole: The resting or refilling phase of the heart, also known as "repolarization."
Additional Terminology
- PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity): A condition where there is electrical activity in the heart but no mechanical contraction, resulting in no pulse.
- EMD (ElectroMechanical Dissociation): A condition where there is a disconnect between electrical activity and mechanical function of the heart.
- Fibrillation: Abnormal and erratic twitching or quivering of the heart muscle.
Anatomy and Terms
- Myocytes: The muscle cells of the heart.
- Automaticity: The ability of certain heart cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses.
- Electrical Conduction Pathway: The route through which electrical impulses travel within the heart, starting with the SA node and ending with the ventricles.
- EKG Waveforms: The visual representation of electrical activity in the heart on an EKG tracing.
Uses of an EKG
- Diagnosing heart disease and abnormalities.
- Monitoring vital signs during surgery and in critical care settings.
- Detecting when an electrical shock should be administered in defibrillators.
Indications for an EKG
- Classical Symptoms of Heart Disease: Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, lethargy, and syncope.
- Routine Evaluation: Assessing heart pumping and contraction, evaluating electrical conduction, diagnosing heart changes, and routine pre-surgical assessment.
- Complete Physical: Part of routine physical exams after the age of 40.
- Specific Conditions: Evaluating heart rate and rhythm disturbances, conduction disorders, chamber enlargement, myocardial infarction, and electrolyte imbalances.
Examining the EKG
- Heart Rate: The number of heartbeats per minute.
- Rhythm: The regularity and pattern of heartbeats.
- Enlargement Signs: Evidence of heart disease.
- Injury Signs: Indication of a heart attack.
The "3 I's" of Heart Disease:
- Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Injury: Damage to the heart muscle.
- Infarction: Heart attack, death of heart muscle tissue.
Electrolytes:
- Imbalances in electrolytes can significantly affect heart function.
- EKGs can help reveal the presence of electrolyte imbalances.
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Description
Test your knowledge of EKG terminology with this quiz. Cover key terms such as segments, intervals, and various conditions related to heart activity. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in cardiology.
