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1 - EKG Beginner Study Guide

The Ultimate Beginner EKG Study Guide provides essential information for understanding EKG strip reading, including timing measurements for various components like PR, QRS, and QT intervals. It outlines the importance of counting QRS complexes to determine heart rate and offers steps to analyze P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves for rhythm identification. Additionally, it emphasizes recognizing different heart rhythms such as bradycardia, tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation.

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138 views3 pages

1 - EKG Beginner Study Guide

The Ultimate Beginner EKG Study Guide provides essential information for understanding EKG strip reading, including timing measurements for various components like PR, QRS, and QT intervals. It outlines the importance of counting QRS complexes to determine heart rate and offers steps to analyze P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves for rhythm identification. Additionally, it emphasizes recognizing different heart rhythms such as bradycardia, tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation.

Uploaded by

breonnadunlap75
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ultimate Beginner EKG

Study Guide
Guide
1 mini box = 0.04
seconds
5 mini boxes = 1 box
1 Box = 0.20 seconds

PR: 0.12 – 0.20 sec =


3-5 mini boxes

QRS: 0.06 – 0.10 sec =


1-2.5 mini boxes

QT: <0.44 seconds =


Approx. 10 mini boxes
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA or less

You must know the basics of an EKG before you can truly understand strip
reading!

Electrolytes that affect heart rhythm P Wave is Atrial


depolarization/contraction
- Potassium 3.5 – 5 mEq/dL QRS is Ventricular
- Sodium 135 – 145 depolarization/Contraction
- Magnesium 1.5 – 2.5 mEq/dL
- Calcium 8.5 – 10.5 mEq/dL T wave is ventricular
repolarization
Are you overwhelmed and not sure where to start with EKG’s?!
START HERE!

1. Count your STRIP!


- Each strip is usually 6 seconds. There is controversy on counting strips, but the
quickest method is by counting how many QRS complexes are in your strip.
- This will give you the HEART RATE
- 6-8 complexes = 60-80 bpm
- This will give you somewhat of an idea on if you are dealing with bradycardia or
tachycardia.

2. Do you have a P wave? And is it regular?


- Normal PR interval is 0.12-0.20 seconds
- A PR interval greater than that and that stays consistent may indicate 1st Degree Heart
Block (check out our heart block guide)
- If there are NO P waves or they are not regular, consider atrial rhythms OR junctional
rhythms
o Irregular P waves may indicate Atrial Flutter or Atrial Fibrillation in which case
you will NOT be measuring a PR interval AND the rhythm is considered
IRREGULAR
- NORMAL P WAVE?? – MOVE TO STEP 2

3. Is there a QRS Complex?


- Does it look wide or narrow?
- Normal QRS 0.06 – 0.10 seconds.
- Narrowing indicates types of tachycardia and arrythmias
- Widening means the Ventricles are contracting slower and may be caused by
arrythmias or certain drug toxicities or overdose
4. Is there a T wave?
- T waves only follow the QRS and can be a big determinant of electrolyte imbalances or
Myocardial Infarction (See our Electrolyte Changes Guide)

5. Know the rhythms and piece it together!


SINUS only
- Is it regular but a slow rate? → Sinus Bradycardia
means the
- Is it regular but a normal rate? → Sinus Rhythm rhythm is
- Is it regular but a fast rate? → Sinus Tachycardia REGULAR
- Are there multiple P waves and the rate is irregular? → afib

LEARN YOUR
RHYTHMS AND USE
THIS TOOL TO HELP
IDENTIFY THEM

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