52 Questions
What is the primary benefit of mastering electrocardiographic rhythm strip interpretation?
Rapid and accurate treatment of patients based on ECG readings
What does an electrocardiogram measure?
The heart's electrical activity
Why must EMS practitioners be comfortable with all possible ECG rhythm strip variants?
Because not every rhythm strip is a 'textbook' example
What is the origin of the abbreviation EKG?
The Dutch abbreviation for elektrokardiograaf
What is the primary way to master ECG rhythm strip interpretation?
Through repeated practice and a systematic approach
Who invented the electrocardiogram?
A Dutch physiologist named Dr. Willem Einthoven
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
What is the significance of the body in relation to electricity?
It acts as a giant conductor of electricity
What is the effect of a negative impulse on the ECG graph paper?
It produces a downward deflection
What is an artifact on an ECG?
A deflection caused by factors other than the heart's electrical activity
Why is it important to eliminate artifacts on an ECG?
Because they can interfere with accurate ECG readings
What is the purpose of wiping the skin and applying tincture of benzoin before applying an electrode?
To improve electrode adhesion on diaphoretic skin
What is the purpose of multiple leads in an ECG?
To measure voltage change through electrodes placed at various places on the body
What is the axis of Lead I in Einthoven's triangle?
0°
What is the purpose of augmented leads?
To provide additional views that are sometimes useful
What is the purpose of precordial leads?
To measure voltage change on a horizontal axis
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
What is the purpose of the modified chest lead 1?
To determine the origin of abnormal complexes
What is the standard speed of the ECG paper?
25 mm/second
What is the amplitude of the ECG deflection when 1 mV is present?
Two large boxes
What is the duration of the ECG complexes and time intervals measured in?
Small boxes and large boxes
What is the function of the time interval markings on the ECG paper?
To measure the heart rate
What is the normal direction of the T wave in lead II?
Positive
What is the first component of the ECG tracing?
P wave
What is the purpose of the ground electrode in ECG monitoring?
To reduce artifacts from arm movement
What is the spacing of the light lines on the ECG graph paper?
1 mm
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
What is the normal range for the QT interval?
0.33 to 0.42 second
What is the term for the duration of time when the heart cannot be restimulated to depolarize?
Refractory period
What is the typical effect of an increase in heart rate on the QT interval?
The QT interval decreases
What is the typical ST segment change associated with ischemia?
Depression
What is the term for the distance from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex?
PR interval
What is the normal range for the QRS interval?
0.04 to 0.12 second
What is the term for the corrected QT interval?
QTc interval
What is the typical effect of a prolonged PR interval?
Delay in the AV node
What is the typical ST segment change associated with injury?
Elevation
What is the heart rate corresponding to the dark line closest to the peak of the next R wave?
300
What is the variation of RR interval associated with respirations?
Less than 1mm per box
What is the direction of atrial depolarization?
Away from the SA node and toward the ventricles
What is the normal range of PR interval?
0.12 to 0.20 second
What is the QRS duration that is considered abnormal?
More than 0.12 second
What should be consistent across the strip?
PR interval
What is the purpose of using multiple ECG leads?
To view different parts of the heart
What is the significance of ST elevation in leads v1-v4?
Anterior involvement
What is the term for when the heart muscle has undergone irreversible necrosis?
Acute myocardial infarction
What is the purpose of the 12-lead ECG in prehospital care?
To identify patients with acute myocardial infarction for earlier interventions
What is the key to interpreting rhythm strips?
To analyze the strip logically and systematically
What is the normal heart rate range?
60-100 beats per minute
What is the method of calculating heart rate that involves counting the number of complexes in a 6-second interval?
Six-second method
What is the benefit of using a heart rate calculator ruler?
It provides a quick and accurate way to calculate heart rate
What is the purpose of analyzing the PR interval in ECG strip interpretation?
To analyze the rhythm and atrial activity
What is the advantage of using the RR interval method for calculating heart rate?
It is accurate only if the heart rhythm is regular
Test your skills in interpreting electrocardiographic rhythm strips, a crucial skill for EMS practitioners. This quiz will assess your ability to accurately read and identify rhythm strips, including variants and non-textbook examples. Improve your practice with this quiz!
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