Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN - EKG?

[mkohut_]

I tried to do the questions for Saunder's review for the fluid and electrolyte chapter before reading the chapter. I did poorly because a lot of the questions were about how fluid and electrolytes effect the EKG readings (I didn't do well on any of the EKG questions. I don't understand EKG's at all). When I read the chapter after, it didn't explain the basics about EKG's and then at the end of the chapter it asks questions about them? This is the only book I'm using because I plan on doing Suzanne's plan afterwards but this chapter is making me really frustrated. Whatever I knew about EKG's throughout my education, I have obviously forgotten, and I don't use that knowledge where I work right now. I feel like I'm never going to get through this book.

[mystic25]

i've had the same feeling as you before. so, i did a lot of readings and go back to the basic about ecg or ekg.

this is the way i remember them:

p wave = atrial depolarization

qrs complex = ventricular depolarization

t wave = ventricular repolarization

for the ecg changes in relation to electrolyte imbalances:

hypokalemia

f = flat or inverted t-wave

u = u wave

d = depressed st-segment

hyperkalemia

p = prolonged qrs complex

e = elevated st-segment

p = prolonged pr interval

myocardial infarction

p = pathologic q-wave

i = inverted t-wave

e = elevated st-segment

hypocalcemia

prolonged st or qt interval

hypercalcemia

shortened st interval

[mkohut_]

Thank you so much mystic, you have no idea how much I appreciate that!

[jadu1106]

[color=#00007f]i also know of a couple of ekg websites that may assist you:

[color=#00007f]www.skillstat.com

[color=#00007f]http://www.rnceus.com/course_frame.asp?exam_id=16&directory=ekg

[mkohut_]

thanks so much :)

[Lorodz]

does the nclex ask you how should an ekg look like in a patient with an electrolyte imbalance? (hot spot questions)

[PEBBLES1]

Thank you for posting this. It's very helpful to me. I am doing cardiac this week in lecture for critical care. Thanks again

[jadu1106]

does the nclex ask you how should an ekg look like in a patient with an electrolyte imbalance? (hot spot questions)

lorodz,

i have taken nclex before but have never gotten a hot spot question, though its possible others have had those types of questions pop up. hot spot questions can test you on numerous topics, and i am sure recognizing ekg patterns can possibly show up.

pebbles1,

you are so welcome, i hope it comes in handy for your cardiac lecture. those 2 websites are awesome and helped me during nursing school as well.

jadu1106 :loveya: