SSM Basic Dysrhythmia Exam Elaboration [Question and Answers] Graded A+

SSM Basic Dysrhythmia Exam Elaboration [Question and Answers] Graded A+ A-fib *Ans*Absence of P waves - "f" waves or waves, atrial rate is 400+. Ventricular rate is determined by the amount of blocking by AV node. R-R is irregular A-flutter *Ans*Characterized by a saw tooth pattern "F" waves. Atrial rate is 250-400 BPM. PR is not measurable. Ventricular rate varies Absolute Refractory *Ans*Portion of the cardiac cycle where NO stimulus, no matter how strong, can excite the cardiac tissue Accelerated Idioventricular (AIVR) *Ans*A ventricular rhythm with a rate of 41-100 BPM. It is regular, P wave is absent, QRS >0.12 Accelerated Junctional Rhythm *Ans*P wave is inverted absent or after the QRS, Ventricular rate is 61-100 BPM Adenosine *Ans*Used to treat rapid atrial rhythms. Dose is 6mg given rapid IVP orver 2 seconds, has a very short half life, second dose is 12 mg. Agonal Rhythm *Ans*It is similar in appearance to IVR, but occurs at a rate < 20 BPM. P waves are absent, QRS > 0.12 Amiodarone *Ans*Used to treat atrial and ventricular arryhtmias. Can be given IV or PO. Dose for pulseless V-tach/V-fib is 300 mg Asynchronous Pacing *Ans*Paces the heart at set rate. Does not sense the patient's underlying rhythm Asystole *Ans*Complete absence of electrical activity of the heart, should be confirmed in 2 leads. Atrial Tach *Ans*Rate is 160-250, classic rate is 180, may be precipitated by PAC. P waves should be seen, but may be lost in preceding T-waves Atropine *Ans*Vagolytic. Used to increase heart rate. Dose is 0.5 mg up to a maximun of 3 mg Cardizem *Ans*Calcium channel blocker, PO or IV to control ventricular rate wth A-fib & A-flutter Complete Heart Block *Ans*Complete absence of conduction between atria & ventricle. P-P is regular, R-R is regular, PR interval varies - no pattern. Atrial & ventricular rates are unrelated. Depolarization *Ans*Cells receive a stimulus, changes in electrical charges occur resulting in a electrical flow which spreads in a wavelike motion resulting in contraction - systole Diastole *Ans*Phase of relaxation or filling Digoxin *Ans*Increases force and speed of contraction. Used for rate control in A-fib & A-flutter. Has a narrow therapeutic range Epinephrine *Ans*Increases HR, BP, giving IVP for pulseless rhythms. Dose is 1 mg IVP every 3-5 minutes Escape Rhythm *Ans*An escape beat or rhythm originates from a lower pacemaker and appears LATER than you would have expected the next beat to be Failure to Capture *Ans*Pacemaker fires (a pacemaker spike on time, where it was needed) but the heart does not respond Failure to Fire *Ans*The pacemaker fails to deliver an electrical stimulus or fails to deliver the correct number of electrical stimulations per minute.. You do not see a pacer spike where it was needed. Failure to Sense *Ans*Failure of the pacemaker to appropriately sense the patient's own intrinsic rhythm. You see a pacemaker spike where it was NOT needed. First Degree Heart Block *Ans*P waves for every QRS, PR interval is > 0.20. Atrial and ventricular rates are the same First Letter of Pacemaker Code *Ans*The chamber paced Fusion at Beats *Ans*When the pacemaker and the patient's intrinsic conduction system activate the heart at the same time Idioventricular Rhythm (IVR) *Ans* Inherent Rate of AV node *Ans*40-60 beats per minute AV node acts as a "gate keeper" for ventricles Inherent Rate of Bundle of His *Ans*40-60 beats per minute