Ati - Cardiac Dysrhythmias Study Guide Questions And Correct Answers

Synchronized cardioversion {Ans: Delivery of an electrical shock to the client in conjunction with the R wave on his ECG, just as the heart muscle contracts. Delivery is timed to avoid the T wave because an electrical discharge at this time may cause ventricular fibrillation.}Electrophysiology studies {Ans: Used to help determine the cause of an arrhythmia and the best treatment for it. A electrode catheter is threaded into a vein, through the right atrium, and across the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. The femoral vein is the most common choice for the catheter insertion. However, the subclavian, internal jugular, or brachial vein may also be used. The heart's usual conduction is recorded first. The catheter sends electrical signals to the heart to change the heart rate and initiate an arrhythmia. Various drugs are then tried to terminate the arrhythmia.}30 big boxes on the EKG are {Ans: 6 sec}S&S/Tx for stasis of blood in the heart {Ans: S&S: increased risk of emboli formation, possible MI, CVA, or DVT Tx: anticoagulants, treat underlying dysrhythmia}Defibrillation {Ans: termination of ventricular fibrillation by delivery of an electrical stimulus to the heart.}Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) {Ans: death w/in 1h