Interpreting Electrocardiographic Rhythm Strips for EMS Practitioners

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What is the primary benefit of mastering electrocardiographic rhythm strip interpretation?

Ability to evaluate blood pressure and pulse

Rapid and accurate treatment of patients based on ECG readings (correct)

Accurate diagnosis of cardiac pumping ability

Development of a systematic approach to ECG monitoring

What does an electrocardiogram measure?

The patient's pulse rate

The heart's pumping ability

The heart's electrical activity (correct)

The patient's blood pressure

Why must EMS practitioners be comfortable with all possible ECG rhythm strip variants?

Because not every rhythm strip is a 'textbook' example (correct)

Because classroom instruction is not sufficient

Because every rhythm strip is a 'textbook' example

Because practice is not necessary for mastery

What is the origin of the abbreviation EKG?

The Dutch abbreviation for elektrokardiograaf Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way to master ECG rhythm strip interpretation?

Through repeated practice and a systematic approach Signup and view all the answers

Who invented the electrocardiogram?

A Dutch physiologist named Dr. Willem Einthoven Signup and view all the answers

Why did Einthoven choose the letters P, Q, R, S, and T to describe points along the ECG waveform?

Because they are in the middle of the alphabet and would not be confused with mathematic variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the body in relation to electricity?

It acts as a giant conductor of electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a negative impulse on the ECG graph paper?

It produces a downward deflection Signup and view all the answers

What is an artifact on an ECG?

A deflection caused by factors other than the heart's electrical activity Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to eliminate artifacts on an ECG?

Because they can interfere with accurate ECG readings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wiping the skin and applying tincture of benzoin before applying an electrode?

To improve electrode adhesion on diaphoretic skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of multiple leads in an ECG?

To measure voltage change through electrodes placed at various places on the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the axis of Lead I in Einthoven's triangle?

0° Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of augmented leads?

To provide additional views that are sometimes useful Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of precordial leads?

To measure voltage change on a horizontal axis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using lead II in ECG monitoring?

It provides a clear view of the ECG waves and depicts the conduction system's activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the modified chest lead 1?

To determine the origin of abnormal complexes Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard speed of the ECG paper?

25 mm/second Signup and view all the answers

What is the amplitude of the ECG deflection when 1 mV is present?

Two large boxes Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the ECG complexes and time intervals measured in?

Small boxes and large boxes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the time interval markings on the ECG paper?

To measure the heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal direction of the T wave in lead II?

Positive Signup and view all the answers

What is the first component of the ECG tracing?

P wave Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ground electrode in ECG monitoring?

To reduce artifacts from arm movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the spacing of the light lines on the ECG graph paper?

1 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the PR interval in an ECG tracing?

Represents the time the impulse takes to travel from the atria to the ventricles Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for the QT interval?

0.33 to 0.42 second Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the duration of time when the heart cannot be restimulated to depolarize?

Refractory period Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical effect of an increase in heart rate on the QT interval?

The QT interval decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical ST segment change associated with ischemia?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the distance from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex?

PR interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for the QRS interval?

0.04 to 0.12 second Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the corrected QT interval?

QTc interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical effect of a prolonged PR interval?

Delay in the AV node Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical ST segment change associated with injury?

Elevation Signup and view all the answers

What is the heart rate corresponding to the dark line closest to the peak of the next R wave?

300 Signup and view all the answers

What is the variation of RR interval associated with respirations?

Less than 1mm per box Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of atrial depolarization?

Away from the SA node and toward the ventricles Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of PR interval?

0.12 to 0.20 second Signup and view all the answers

What is the QRS duration that is considered abnormal?

More than 0.12 second Signup and view all the answers

What should be consistent across the strip?

PR interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using multiple ECG leads?

To view different parts of the heart Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ST elevation in leads v1-v4?

Anterior involvement Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for when the heart muscle has undergone irreversible necrosis?

Acute myocardial infarction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 12-lead ECG in prehospital care?

To identify patients with acute myocardial infarction for earlier interventions Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to interpreting rhythm strips?

To analyze the strip logically and systematically Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal heart rate range?

60-100 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the method of calculating heart rate that involves counting the number of complexes in a 6-second interval?

Six-second method Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a heart rate calculator ruler?

It provides a quick and accurate way to calculate heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of analyzing the PR interval in ECG strip interpretation?

To analyze the rhythm and atrial activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using the RR interval method for calculating heart rate?

It is accurate only if the heart rhythm is regular Signup and view all the answers