Electrocardiography Basics Flashcards

Study Notes

Wandering and Interrupted Baselines

A wandering baseline results from poor electrode connection, influenced by substances like lotions or oils on the skin, causing interpretation difficulties.
An interrupted baseline occurs with a visible break in the tracing, usually due to a disconnected or broken lead wire.

Eliminating Artifacts

Somatic tremors can be minimized by reducing patient anxiety and ensuring a comfortable environment.
Patients with involuntary muscle movements should place hands palms down under their buttocks to decrease interference.
Proper grounding of the EKG machine is essential to reduce AC interference, achieved through using a three-prong plug and turning off unnecessary electronics.
Electrodes should be applied to clean skin, avoiding creams and lotions to prevent a wandering baseline.
EKG machines feature filters to manage external interference; ensuring these filters are activated is crucial.
Regular maintenance and inspection of lead wires help identify potential issues and reduce artifact occurrence.

Atrial Arrhythmias

Severe atrial arrhythmias include atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
In atrial flutter, atrial contractions occur rapidly compared to ventricular contractions, while atrial fibrillation presents as quivering atria which may lead to blood clots.

Ventricular Arrhythmias

Immediate intervention is required for ventricular fibrillation, characterized by quivering ventricles with no effective contractions.
Asystole is evidenced when no heartbeat rhythm is noted on an EKG.

Wave Abnormalities

Medical assistants must recognize normal configurations of P, QRS, and T waves.
Positive deflection of the P wave is normal; negative deflection may indicate junction dysrhythmia due to improper impulse pathways.

Wide and Bizarre QRS Complex

A wide and bizarre QRS suggests a ventricular arrhythmia, such as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), which require provider notification.

Transmitting EKG Results

Single-channel EKGs may need mounting before provider delivery, with results becoming part of the patient's medical record.
Home patients might transmit results using phones, similar to fax machines; printed results must be added to the medical record for interpretation.
Ambulatory monitor recordings are returned to the office for interpretation via a holter scanner or computer, also forming part of the legal health record.

Wave Deflections

Position deflection entails upward curvature of waves in an EKG tracing.
Negative deflection signifies a downward curvature of waves in an EKG tracing.

Atrioventricular (AV) Mode

The AV mode functions as the secondary pacemaker located at the junction between the atria and ventricles.

Description

Test your knowledge of electrocardiography terms and definitions with these flashcards. Learn about wandering and interrupted baselines, their causes, and implications for tracing interpretation. Perfect for students and professionals in the medical field.