Questions and Answers
What is somatic tremor?
Artifact known as muscle tremor (caused by involuntary movement).
What is AC interference?
Artifact caused by electrical interference.
What is wandering baseline?
Artifact occurring when the stylus moves from the center of the ECG paper.
What is interrupted baseline?
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What is the number one cause of death in the United States?
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Which of the following is the most common type of artifact?
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Which of the following may cause somatic tremor?
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One cardiac cycle (heartbeat) takes approximately how long?
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Another name for V leads is:
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Which of the following is a common cause of premature atrial contractions (PAC)?
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The notation PTCA in a patient's chart means:
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Study Notes
Medical Artifacts in ECG Readings
- Somatic Tremor: Caused by involuntary muscle movement; appears as an artifact on ECG.
- AC Interference: Results from electrical interference affecting ECG readings.
- Wandering Baseline: Occurs when stylus deviates from the center of ECG paper; can result from loose electrodes, dirty leads, poor gel, or unclean skin.
- Interrupted Baseline: Indicates issues with the connection; caused by broken cables or detached electrodes.
Cardiovascular Health Insights
- Myocardial Infarctions (Heart Attacks): Leading cause of death in the United States, highlighting the importance of heart health monitoring.
- Common Artifacts: Somatic tremor is frequently encountered in ECG readings.
- Causes of Somatic Tremor: Can result from conditions such as Parkinson's disease or external factors like cables resting across patients.
Cardiac Cycle Frequency
- Heartbeat Duration: One complete cardiac cycle is approximately 0.8 seconds, essential for understanding heart rate.
Electrocardiogram Leads
- V Leads: Also known as precordial leads, used for monitoring heart activity, emphasizing their role in cardiac assessment.
Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC)
- Common Causes: Can be triggered by caffeine, tobacco usage, stress, or a combination of these factors.
Medical Procedures
- PTCA: Abbreviation for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty, a procedure related to coronary arteries, which is important for cardiology professionals to recognize.
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Description
Prepare for your CMA exam with these essential flashcards covering key artifacts in ECG interpretation. Each card presents a term along with its definition, vital for mastering clinical knowledge in medical practice. Enhance your comprehension and retention as you study terms like somatic tremor, AC interference, and wandering baseline.
