268 Pages 92 Color Illustrations
    by Routledge

    268 Pages
    by Routledge

    The ECG is one of the most commonly used investigations in contemporary medicine. Interpretation of the ECG can appear daunting, but it is actually relatively straightforward as long as a systematic approach is taken.

    Pocket ECGs for Nurses assists with this task by providing a detailed yet readable introduction to ECG interpretation, supplemented by clinical information about how to act based on its findings.

    The book begins by covering the basics of cardiac anatomy and physiology and how these relate to the ECG. It then guides nurses on how to perform a high-quality ECG recording, interpret it and make sense of common ECG abnormalities. The book also includes a guide to ambulatory and bedside monitoring as well as useful chapter summaries.

    This pocketbook is an essential reference for the non-specialist who needs to be able to record and perform a basic and safe interpretation of an ECG. Written in plain language with clear explanations, bullet lists and summaries throughout, this handy guide will benefit nurses as well as paramedics and other allied health professionals in recording and reading ECGs.

    The Basics of the Heartbeat
    The Heart Chambers
    The Heart’s Myocytes
    Anatomy of the Electrical System
    Further Reading

    The Basics of the ECG
    ECG Leads
    The Names of the ECG Waves
    Normal Values
    QRS (‘Cardiac’) Axis
    Abnormal Cardiac Axis
    Further Reading

    How to Record a 12-Lead ECG
    Initial Preparations
    Skin Preparation
    Electrode Placement
    Special Electrode Positions
    Recording the 12-Lead ECG
    After Making the Recording
    Further Reading

    How to Read a 12-Lead ECG
    Patient Data
    Clinical Data
    Technical Data
    ECG Fundamentals
    ECG Details
    Clinical Summary
    Further Reading

    Heart Rate: Bradycardia and Tachycardia
    Method 1: Counting Large Squares
    Method 2: Counting Small Squares
    Method 3: Counting QRS Complexes
    P Wave Rate
    Bradycardia and Tachycardia
    Further Reading

    An Approach to Heart Rhythms
    Identifying the Cardiac Rhythm
    Determining the Cardiac Rhythm
    Further Reading

    Supraventricular Rhythms
    Sinus Rhythm
    Sinus Arrhythmia
    Sinus Bradycardia
    Sinus Tachycardia
    Sick Sinus Syndrome
    Atrial Ectopic Beats
    Atrial Fibrillation
    Atrial Flutter
    Atrial Tachycardia
    AV Re-Entry Tachycardia
    AV Nodal Re-Entry Tachycardia
    Further Reading

    Ventricular Rhythms
    Ventricular Ectopic Beats
    Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm
    Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
    Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
    Ventricular Fibrillation
    Further Reading

    Conduction Problems and Types of Block
    Conduction Problems at the SA Node
    Conduction Problems at the AV Node
    Block at the Bundle Branches
    Block at the Fascicles
    Escape Rhythms
    Further Reading

    QRS Complexes and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
    Q Wave
    Tall QRS Complexes
    Small QRS Complexes
    Broad QRS Complexes
    Further Reading

    ST Segment Elevation and Depression
    Assessing the ST Segment
    ST Segment Elevation
    ST Segment Depression
    Further Reading

    T Wave Changes
    Tall Upright T Waves
    Small T Waves
    Inverted T Waves
    Further Reading

    QT Interval Prolongation
    What Is the QT Interval?
    Measuring the QT Interval
    ‘Correcting’ the QT Interval
    What Is a Normal QTC Interval?
    Risks of a Long QT Interval
    Causes of a Long QT Interval
    Treatment of a Long QT Interval
    Further Reading

    Bedside and Ambulatory Monitoring
    Inpatient ECG Monitoring
    Outpatient ECG Monitoring
    The Future of ECG Monitoring
    Further Reading

    Summary of Key Points
    Basics of the Heartbeat
    Basics of the ECG
    How to Record a 12-Lead ECG
    How to Read a 12-Lead ECG
    Heart Rate: Tachycardia and Bradycardia
    Approach to Heart Rhythms
    Supraventricular Rhythms
    Ventricular Rhythms
    Conduction Problems and Types of Block
    QRS Complexes and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
    ST Segment Elevation and Depression
    T Wave Changes
    QT Interval Prolongation
    Bedside and Ambulatory Monitoring

    Appendix A: ECG Resources

    Appendix B: Help with the Next Edition

    Biography

    Andrew R. Houghton

    "The purpose is to provide nurses with a detailed yet easily understandable book that may be readily accessed. The book provides a convenient reference thatwould be available for everyday use… The book discusses obtaining an ECG, the basics of ECG interpretation, andreviews dysrhythmias including supraventricular, ventricular, blocks, hypertrophies, and changes seen with an MI." - Gina M. Oliver, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE(MU Sinclair School of Nursing), Doody's Book Review Service