Basic ECG

An ECG rhythm strip shows a regular ventricular rhythm at a rate of 30 beats/min, more P waves than QRS complexes (the P waves occur regularly), a variable PR interval, and a QRS duration of 0.14 second. The rhythm is shown below. What is the rhythm?

• First Degree AV Block

• Second Degree Type I AV Block

• Second Degree Type II AV Block

• Third Degree AV Block

Transcutaneous pacing may be useful in which of the following situations?

• Asystole

• Ventricular fibrillation

• Sinus tachycardia; blood pressure 108/70 mmHg, unresponsive

• Second degree AV block type II; blood pressure 64/42 mmHg, altered mental status

Identify the rhythm shown below

• First Degree AV Block

• Second Degree Type I AV Block

• Second Degree Type II AV Block

• Third Degree AV Block

Which of the following medications increases heart rate by accelerating the rate at which the SA node discharges and by blocking the vagus nerve?

• Digitalis

• Amiodarone

• Atropine

• Beta Blocker

Symptomatic bradycardia is used to describe a patient who experiences signs and symptoms of hemodynamic compromise related to a slow heart rate

• True

• False

Which of the following are chest leads?

• I, II, III

• aVR, aVL, aVF

• V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6

• I, II, III, V1, V2, V3

To determine the rate of an irregular rhythm, a 6-second method is best used as an estimate of the heart rate

• True

• False

A 76-year-old patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix) 40mg IV twice daily. When you look at his rhythm strip, you note prominent U waves. Which condition may have caused U waves to appear on your patient’s strip?

• Hypokalemia

• Hyperkalemia

• Hypocalcemia

• Hypercalcemia

A 65-year-old patient diagnosed with angina is admitted to your telemetry unit. You begin cardiac monitoring and record a rhythm strip. What should be your first step in interpreting your rhythm strip?

• Calculate the heart rate

• Evaluate the P wave

• Check the rhythm

• Measure the PR interval

A patient admitted with an acute myocardial infarction (MI) complains of chest pain. When you look at his ECG monitor, you note a heart rate of 35 beats/min. Which area of his heart has taken over as the heart’s pacemaker?

• SA node

• AV node

• Bundle of His

• Purkinje fibers