EKG strip

[Nikkik163]

Hi---I have also posted in the student nursing forum, but thought maybe I could get some help here. I need to read a strip for class...but I am having troubles with this since it is so new. I have a strip printed off and the pt also had a pacemaker. I am just having a lot of trouble with this...any tips or suggestions?

[shortsteph12]

I bought a guide while a student there is a book at Barnes and Nobles Ekgs made easy. First look at the rr interval is it regular? Then measure your pr interval see is there a p wave? If the patient has a pacemaker is there pacer spikes? Then look at qrs and measure then qt/ check your rate doing strips gets easier with practice

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I agree with what shortsteph said. The important thing is to systematically go through it like she said. Look at the r-r, p-r, and then see if the qrs is narrow or is it wide.

If you just look at a rhythm and go "oh I don't what it is!" then you can get panicky. If you go systematically, it works out a lot better.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

I agree with all they said, but first I determine the rate. Is it slow, normal, or fast? That will help you figure out what the rhythm is.

This site also might be a help. Go to Tools, then the ECG Simulator, hit the Start button and guess the rhythm:

www.skillstat.com

[Katnip, RN]

I was taught to first look to see if it's regular. That will tell you if you're in sinus or not.

Then you look at rate.

Then look to see if you have a P-wave for every QRS.

Then you measure the distances and lengths of the waves.

Write them down and then you pull out your handy-dandy EKG interpretation book or guide and go from there.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

I guess the reason I go with the rate is that too slow or too fast can be problemmatic, whether you're in sinus or not.

Not to split hairs though....all the books say to get a system and stick with it, and with practice, you should be able to make an educated guess at a strip after about 5 seconds of seeing it.