Ekg

[JustJen, BSN, RN]

Please help,

For whatever reason, I have a mental block when it comes to EKG interpretation. Is there a book that you can recommend that will help me memorize all the components of abnormal strips? I can pick out the normal ones, but blocks and junctionals are just not happening unless I cheat and look at my trusty cheat sheets.

I just really want to understand what the rhythm is telling me.....

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

The only way to understand ECGs is to learn a systematic assessment. You need to remember the normal parameters (PR intervals, etc), and go through lead by lead with a systematic assessment, every single time you look. It can only be certain things then. After doing this a while, depending on how often you look at them, you get much better at doing it rapidly. I've been doing CTICU for 10 years and I still do this system to make sure I don't miss things (although I can eyeball it too now). The way to learn these is by repetition.

I have an ECG book by Mary Conover that I like too.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

ghillbert has given you some great advice.

Here is a link in the CCU forum with Helpful Information for the CCU and other Critical Care Units including links for ECG educational information.

[carrienjake]

I learned on the ECG's for dummies in paramedic school. But like the other post said, it is important to write down the rules and systematically eliminate them. I have taught this subject multiple times and I too still follow the same questions every single time.

Is there a p-wave?

Is the rhythm regular or irregular?

Is the rhythm fast or slow?

Is the p-r interval WNL?

Is the QRS complex wide or narrow?

Is there a p-wave for every QRS complex?

Then write down the definition to each of the rhythms you are trying to learn. Ask the same questions every time. I hope this helps.