Relias Assessments Assistance Material DYSRHYTHMIAS with Certified Solutions

EKG interpretation One of the most useful and commonly used diagnostic tools is electrocardiography (EKG) which measures the heart's electrical activity as waveforms. An EKG uses electrodes attached to the skin to detect electric current moving through the heart. These signals are transmitted to produce a record of cardiac activity. Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia are disturbances in the normal cardiac rhythm of the heart which occurs as a result of alterations within the conduction of electrical impulses. These impulses stimulate and coordinate atrial and ventricular myocardial contractions that provide cardiac output. Sinus Tachycardia Sinus tachycardia is a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute that originated from the sinus node. Rate: 100 to 180 beats per minute P Waves precede each QRS complex PR interval is normal QRS complex is normal Conduction is normal Rhythm is regular Causes of sinus tachycardia may include exercise, anxiety, fever, drugs, anemia, heart failure, hypovolemia and shock. Sinus tachycardia is often asymptomatic. Management however is