ECG interpretation help

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Hello, I am a fourth semester BSN student and we are learning how to read ECGs in critical care. I get the basic gist of things and have been given examples of the dysrhythmias we are learning about, but then I look at our homework packet and in half of the strips I can't even tell which wave is what because they are so wonky looking. If anyone has any tips/tricks/secrets/websites that help I would love to hear about them. I could use all the help I can get!! Thank you in advance!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Is the rhythm regular? (r to r)

Is every p wave followed by a qrs?

Is the qrs wide or narrow?

What's the rate?

Are there any ectopic/early/late beats?

Are there regular p waves?

These are some questions to ask...

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If you ask yourself all of Lev's questions, you should be able to figure out what the rhythm is. Unfortunately there aren't very make tips or quick fixes, it's the kind of thing that just takes practice.

If there are specific rhythms you're having trouble with I may be able to be more help, but the whole topic is a little too broad for me to think of suggestions that may be helpful to a student.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.

Have you considered getting a good book?

I personally like:

12-Lead ECG: The Art of Interpretation by Tomas Garcia

and

The Only EKG Book You'll Ever Need by Malcom Thaler

I don't care for Dubin's book *at all*

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