As a nursing student and new nurse, I had trouble remembering where to place electrodes (RA, RL, LA, LL, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5 & V6) on a patient for a 12 lead EKG. However, after much practice I have finally got it. In this article, I want to prepare you for how to place […]
How to tell the Difference Between AV Heart Blocks 1 Degree, Wenckebach, Mobitz II, Third Degree
When you are learning EKG heart rhythms, you must be familiar with the differences between each heart block. In nursing school, I had difficultly at first figuring out the differences between each AV heart block, but now it is second nature to me. Whether you are in nursing school, a new nurse, seasoned nurse needing […]
EKG Rhythm Practice Quiz for AV Heart Blocks | 1st Degree, 2nd Degree Types, & 3rd Degree Blocks
This EKG rhythm practice quiz will test your knowledge on the different types of atrioventricular heart blocks. These AV heart blocks include: AV 1st degree, Mobitz I (Wenckebach) 2nd Degree Type 1, Mobitz II 2nd Degree Type 2, and 3rd degree (complete heart block). In nursing school and as a nurse you must know how […]
How to Measure a QRS Complex on an EKG Strip | QRS Complex Measurement Quiz
When you are learning to interpret heart rhythms on an EKG, you must learn how to measure the QRS complex. The QRS complex is the spike on the EKG strips, which is after the p-wave. The QRS complex represents ventricular contraction (depolarization) of the heart’s electrical conduction system. In the previous article, we discussed how […]
How to Measure the PR Interval on an EKG Strip | PR Interval EKG Quiz
When a nurse is interpreting an EKG, it is important the nurse knows how to measure a PR interval. The PR interval represents atrioventricular (AV) node conduction time. The AV node is part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, and is known as the gatekeeper of the electrical system. The PR interval tends […]
How to Calculate the Heart Rate on an EKG Strip with the Six Second Rule
When you are interpreting an EKG, you must know how to count the heart rate. When you count the heart rate you are counting the ventricular and atrial rate. In this article, I am going to tell you how to count a heart rate using the six (6) second rule. There are many ways you […]
What is the Difference Between Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib) & Atrial Flutter (A-flutter)?
In nursing school, you will learn different types of heart dysrhythmias and will be required to identify rhythms on exams. In this article, I want to explain the difference between a-fib and a-flutter. Many times when students are learning EKG rhythms, they get confused on atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. In addition, they sometimes get […]
EKG Rhythm Practice Quiz for Atrial Fibrillation & Atrial Flutter
This EKG dysrhythmia practice quiz will test your knowledge on the difference between atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, also called a-fib and a-flutter. As a nurse taking care of patients you will have to know the basics about these type of atrial dysrhythmia. A-fib and a-flutter are very common dysrhythmias among patients. This EKG quiz […]
Learning the PQRST EKG Wave Tracing
We have already covered the electrical conduction system of the heart, and this forms the foundation for analyzing the PQRST EKG wave. In order to understand a normal EKG rhythm strip, you must first understand how the heart generates electrical impulses through the muscle. So if you haven’t read that material, watched the teaching tutorial, […]
Electrical Conduction System of the Heart Explained
The electrical conduction system of the heart is responsible for the EKG tracing you see on a patient. In order to be able to analyze a rhythm strip, you must first learn how the electrical system of the heart works. As I’ve said many times before, this was my least favorite thing learning in nursing […]
EKG PQRST Rhythm Strip Wave Quiz | Anatomy & Pathophysiology
This EKG rhythm strip quiz will test your knowledge about the PQRST wave form. In this quiz, you will have to identify each part of the strip and know what areas of the strip are responsible for atrial or ventricle contraction. The PQRST part of the EKG is caused by the electrical conduction system of […]
Quiz on the Electrical Conduction System of the Heart | Anatomy & Pathophysiology
This quiz will test your knowledge on the electrical system of the heart. In nursing school, especially in your pathophysiology or anatomy class, you will have to know how the Sinoatrial node (SA node), Atrioventricle node (AV node), Bundle of His, right and left bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers work to make the heart contract. […]