Relias Assessments Assistance Material DYSRHYTHMIAS |
Latest Version 2024/2025 | Expert Verified | Ace the Test
EKG interpretation ✔✔One of the most useful and commonly used diagnostic tools is electrocardiography (EKG) which measures the heart's electrical activity as waveforms. An EKG
uses electrodes attached to the skin to detect electric current moving through the heart. These signals are transmitted to produce a record of cardiac activity. Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia are disturbances in the normal cardiac rhythm of the heart which occurs as a result of alterations within the conduction of electrical impulses. These impulses stimulate and coordinate atrial and ventricular myocardial contractions that provide cardiac output.
Sinus Tachycardia ✔✔Sinus tachycardia is a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute that originated from the sinus node.
Rate: 100 to 180 beats per minute
P Waves precede each QRS complex
PR interval is normal
QRS complex is normal
Conduction is normal
Rhythm is regular
Causes of sinus tachycardia may include exercise, anxiety, fever, drugs, anemia, heart failure, hypovolemia and shock. Sinus tachycardia is often asymptomatic. Management however is directed at the treatment of the primary cause. Carotid sinus pressure (carotid massage) or a beta
blocker may be used to reduce heart rate.
Sinus Bradycardia ✔✔Sinus bradycardia is a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute and originates from the sinus node (as the term "sinus" refers to sinoatrial node). It has the following
characteristics
Rate is less than 60 beats per minute
P Waves precede each QRS complex
PR interval is normal
QRS complex is normal
Conduction is normal
Rhythm is regular
Causes may include drugs, vagal stimulation, hypoendocrine states, hypothermia, or sinus node involvement in MI. This arrhythmia may be normal in athletes as they have quality stroke volume. It is often asymptomatic but manifestations may include: syncope, fatigue, dizziness. Management includes treating the underlying cause and administering anticholinergic drugs like
atropine sulfate as prescribed.
Premature Atrial Contraction ✔✔Premature Atrial Contraction are ectopic beats that originates from the atria and they are not rhythms. Cells in the heart starts to fire or go off before the
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