NEED HELP Understanding HEARTWAVES

By heartwaves do you mean interpreting rhythm strips?

here is something i got from a co-worker who is attending nursing school.

it is actually on paper, not a file, with a husband/wife picture but i wanted to write it on here.

the story of the av block family

key:

p wave = wife

qrs = husband

pacer = counseling

normal sinus rhythm:

the wife (p wave) waits at home for the husband (qrs). the husband (qrs) come homes on time every night.

1st degree av block:

the wife (p wave) is waiting at home. the husband (qrs) comes home late every night, but he always comes home and its at the same time every night.

2nd degree block type i (weinkebach):

the wife (p wave) is waiting at home. the husband (qrs) come home later and later every night until one night he doesn't come at all.

note: husband (qrs) must come home at least 2 nights in a row to see this pattern.

2nd degree av block type ii:

the wife (p wave) is waiting at home. sometimes the husband (qrs) comes home, sometimes he doesn't. when he does come home, its always at the same time.

note: this is usually more serious than type i (weinkebach) and will sometimes require counseling (pacing).

3rd degree av block:

wife (p wave) is no longer waiting at home. she and her husband (qrs) are now both on separate schedules and have no relationship and they are no longer talking. each spouse has a regular, individual schedule.

note: this frequently requires counseling in the form of a temporary or permanent pacer.

i thought it was cute and wanted to share. hope it helps!

jadu1106 :heartbeat

Thanks!:wink2:

jandu1106,

I haven't gotten anywhere close to learning heart blocks yet, but I copied this to a word doc so I'd have it when I do. I can see this being really helpful in remembering these someday. Thanks!

M

This is really cute...AV Block

Diagnosis Wenckebach