Ecg rhythm strip interpretation

Assuming that most of you reading this blog do not have that much time, please allow me to share what I have discovered in my years teaching ECGs to make the process more simple — and maybe even enjoyable. I imagine it is understood that learning all of ECG interpretation is going to take more than 10 minutes of your time and that it is not quite so easy. To be proficient, it will take a bit of effort. Some memorization and pattern recognition will be required. The more you see, the more you will remember.

Confirm the name and date of birth of the patient matches the details on the ECG. Hint: If there are obviously P-waves present, check the ventricular rate and the atrial rate. The rates will be the same if there is AV conduction. Mark out several consecutive R-R intervals on a piece of paper, then move them along the rhythm strip to check if the subsequent intervals are the same. Hint — if you are suspicious that there is some atrioventricular block, map out the atrial rate and the ventricular rhythm separately i. As you move along the rhythm strip, you can then see if the PR interval changes, if QRS complexes are missing or if there is complete dissociation between the two.

These are the comments I hear over and over again prior to teaching ACLS classes, both original and recertification. Many people are intimidated by EKGs and unclear on the proper way to interpret a dysrhythmia in lead II. This basic review may benefit others as well. There are certain EKG rhythms, lethal ones, that require quick interpretation—rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and asystole.

For many nursing students and new nurses EKG interpretation can be intimidating, to say the least. I remember my first day as a nurse in the ICU. To say that I was overwhelmed is a pretty big understatement.