Advanced EKG Rhythms Questions with 100% Correct Answers

Ventricular Fibrillation Correct Answer the rapid, irregular, and useless contractions of the ventricles Polymorphic, > 350 beats, PVT with faster rate CARDIAC ARREST Torsades de pointes Correct Answer -Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, characterized by shifting sinusoidal waveforms on ECG; can progress to ventricular fibrillation. 200-300 beats, starts after a pause, starts on a T wave, previous rhythm has long QT interval -Long QT interval predisposes to torsades de pointes. -Caused by drugs,K+, Mg2+, other abnormalities -Treatment includes magnesium sulfate. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia Correct Answer Polymorphic QRS, 120-150 beats, (consider "flutter" if 250-350 beats) Indicates ischemia QRS complex > P waves Ventricular tachycardia Correct Answer A rapid heart rhythm in which the electrical impulse begins in the ventricle (instead of the atrium), which may result in inadequate blood flow and eventually deteriorate into cardiac arrest. Monomorphic QRS VR 100-250 beats No P waves visible Usually post MI (scarring) Accelerated interventricular rhythm Correct Answer Monomorphic QRS VR 40-100 beats Short lived due to sinus pause as an escape rhythm (wide complex) Atrial fibrillation Correct Answer occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid irregular twitching of the muscular heart wall No decipherable P waves >350 bpm