ACLS? Help!

[gorgenurse]

Hello, so I just got a job at a cardiac rehab clinic. I am trying to brush up on ekg interpretation, but I have a LONG way to go.

I have very little previous cardiology experience. I did take ACLS in the past and did pass it, but it was about 7 years ago so I don't really remember it.

I am supposed to take ACLS monday and I am panicked! I just did the pre course assessment on the website and did not do well!

My weak point is is identifying the rhythms!

How much rhythm interpretation is there? How difficult is this to pass? Any advice?

[scrubsandasmile]

I took ACLS this summer and we went over rhythm analysis first! Knowing which is which is important, but LOOKING at the patient and figuring out stable, unstable is the most important part. Then you start going through your checklist- ABC's? CPR? Shockable rythm? What drugs? H's & T's?

This is an EXCELLENT site for rhythm interpretation! ECG Simulator | SkillStat Learning - Fast, Fun and Effective!

Hope this helps!!

[gwapo]

know at least Sinus Rhythm, Sinus tach, sinus brady, VTach, VFib, AFib, SVT, 1st 2nd 3rd degree blocks. in real life,you will have to look at the patient. but in simulation, i find it hard to do so i go with the monitor because whatever is shown on the monitor, i know it's gotta be right since it is controlled by the instructor. you won't know the treatment if you don't know the rhythm. but keep in mind that realistically, you are not by yourself during a code. it is team work. good luck.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

I have taken ACLS several times in the past... There really are just 10 rhythms that you must know. They're really not all that difficult, and they look completely different on the monitor, when you're doing your dynamic cardiology station, and they're not all that difficult to pick them out in the static cardiology section. The good news is that the treatment algorithm breaks down to pretty much fast, slow, narrow, wide, stable, or unstable. Some will be shockable, some won't, and some you won't need to do anything right away except observe the patient. It's gotten quite a bit simpler since you last took the course. Seriously. I would suggest using the link above to review the stuff, read the book as you go through the rhythms and go through the algorithms.

You can get through this, they generally want people to pass. They won't pencil-whip you through, but you will have to do some learnin' to pass! Have a great time in class!

[Flyboy17]

This website is a bit overkill for what they want you to know in ACLS, but it is still good. Remeber your basics and concentrate on your lethals. V-Tach, Vib, Torsades, etc. Those are the one's that you should really look at. Remember your drugs, shocks, Hs and Ts, and you'll be fine.

[COLOR=#003366]Analysis and Interpretation of the Electrocardiogram