ECG Help

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

I've studied the handouts from the instructor and have the book "Basic Arrythmias" by Gail Walraven...it's still not clicking with me!!! We have a test on Thursday and it will just cover Sinus rhythms and atrial arrhymias.

I think I have the hardest time identifying the waves in a weird rhythm and on the test he wants us to label the PQRST's if they are there.

Any suggestions? Tips? Other books that may help??

Thanks

[JohnnyGage]

The two best books out there, IMHO are:

"Rapid Interpretation of EKGs" by Dale Dubin

"ECGs Made Incredibly Easy" published by Springhouse

Good Luck!

[Brownms46]

Try this site...maybe it will help:

http://www.rnceus.com/course_frame.asp?exam_id=16&directory=ekg

http://www.rnceus.com/course_frame.asp?exam_id=43&directory=case

http://www.ce5.com/ekg.htm

[NurseDixie]

Try http://www.skillstat.com, it helped me a lot.

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

Thank you for the links. I will check them out! My test is on Thursday so I'll let you know how it goes!

[CountrifiedRN]

We use the same book you do. I found that it helps to use the flashcards located in the back of the book, and memorize the specifics of each rhythm/arrhythmia.

Then when you see a strip, start analyzing the waves. Is there a p wave? PRI? How long is the PRI? Is it in normal range? What is the rate? Is it regular or irregular? Normal QRS? You get the picture.

By breaking it down into pieces and having memorized the specifics of each type, you should be able to decipher the strips. Good luck!