EKG/ECG deciphering for dummies

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 29, 2003

Nicest smooch I've had all day!

have a great one....

jimmy_d · Nov 29, 2003

Originally posted by chris_at_lucas
If there's no p wave, there's an atrial problem.

Calculating rate is pretty cool. Count the little squares between any 2 p's or r's, then divide into 1500, and there you have it. Or count the number of beats in six seconds and multiply by ten--but the other way is more accurate (and way more fun if you are into that).

those are good rules of thumb, however...

there can be 'p' waves anf also no atrial problem like a heart block

there can also be ventricular standstill and only have 'p' waves

the 'p' waves can also be hidden inside the qrs

ventricualr fib is a venticular problem and this is a ventriculr problem

you can count the number of large squares between qrs to get the rate

1 square 300

2 squares 150

3 sq 100

4 sq 75

5 sq 60

6 sq 50

7 sq 43

8 sq 38

9 sq 33

10 sq 20

jim

LydiaGreen · Nov 30, 2003

We were taught that you can use the P-P, or R-R intervals to count the rate but ONLY if the intervals are regular and consistent... if there is a noticeable difference from one to another, then you cannot use this shortcut method.

P.S. - I have ECG Interpretation Made Incredibly Easy - the doc who teaches ACLS liked this text and felt it was more clear and easier to comprehend for students than the ACLS manual. I think it was around $35 or $40. I love all of the books in the Made Incredibly Easy series.

NYCRN16 · Dec 2, 2003

I used the Incredibly Easy series when I was taking the critical care course at work, and when I took ACLS and it was a lot easier to understand, and I remembered the little things that they say about each rhythm better the way they describe it. This book is definitly worth the money.