SA node correct answers 60-100 bpm
Av node correct answers 40-60 bpm
Purkinje fibers correct answers 20-40 bpm
depolarization correct answers electrical excitation of the cell membrane normally followed by
mechanical contraction
repolarization correct answers return of the cell membrane to its resting state normally followed
by mechanical relaxation
PR interval correct answers 0.12-0.20
QRS interval correct answers 0.06-0.11
QT interval correct answers 0.44-0.48 depending on rate
nursing responsibilities correct answers print/measure/interpret rhythm strips, get a 12 lead EKG
for any rhythm changes, get a set of VS for any rhythm changes, know when to notify MD
Sinus Arrhythmia correct answers rate is normal but speeds and slows with respiration (rhythm is
irregular)
Treatment: asymptomatic - nothing, symptomatic - treat and find the underlying cause (digoxin
toxicity or MI)
Sinus Bradycardia correct answers Treatment: if S/S are present give atropine 0.5 mg - if
unsuccessful then do an external/transvenous pacemaker
- hold drugs that decrease HR: digoxin, beta blockers
Sinus Tachycardia correct answers Rate of 100-150
Treatment: treat the underlying cause
PACs correct answers Treatment: rarely treated, observe and document the frequency and the
patient's condition
Atrial Flutter correct answers rhythm is usually regular and looks like a saw tooth (can be 2:1,
3:1 and so on)
Treatment: control the rate (betablockers, diltiazem, verapamil, dig) can use amiodarone to
control/convert and anticoagulants
- rule of thumb - if symptomatic do synchronized cardioversion (50-100J)
Atrial Fibrillation correct answers rate is highly irregular, p waves are absent.