Question

ECG interpretation (please fill every box)

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Nursing Skill STUDENT NAME SKILL NAME REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER Description of Skill Indications CONSIDERATIONS Nursing Interventions (pre, intra, post) Outcomes/Evaluation Client Education Potential Complications Nursing Interventions

Answer 1

Electrocardiogram ( ECG)

Description

Electrocardiogram is the visual output that an electrocardiograph produces. It is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes placed on the patient's limbs and on the chest, detects the small electrical changes produced as a result of depolarization followed by repolarization of cardiac muscles.

(P wave: depolarization of atria

QRS complex: depolarization of ventricles

T wave: repolarization of the ventricles)

Indications

* Chest pain

* Palpitation

* Cynosis

*shock

* tachycardia or Bradycardia( increased or decreased heart rate)

* electrolyte imbalance

* Myocardial infarction

* cardio pulmonary resuscitation

Nursing interventions

* Verify the physician's order

* provide privacy and explain the procedure to the patient

* remove all the ornaments and no metal should be there on the patient's body.

* hand washing should be done

* Advice the cient to lie in supine position

* expose the arms and legs , don't expose unnecessary areas

* Client's feet should not touch on the bed board.

* place the electrodes and leads on properly

* after the procedure remove the electrodes,clean the clent's skin

* label ECG recording with patient name, patient number, time, signature and nurses notes.

Outcomes

( according to indications)

In 1 hour client will have improved comfort in chest

( state a decrease in the rating of chest pain, requires decrease analgesia)

Client education

- Explain the procedure ECG and its duration to the client

- Clarify the doubts

- Explain that ECG records the electrical activity of the heart

- Ensure the patient that no electrical current will pass to body

Potential complications

* No complications for this non invasive procedure( some people may have allergic reaction to the electrode adhesive gel)

Stress test may have the risk of heart attack, exercise may cause burden on heart work load, but not the ECG.

Nursing interventions

- Ask the client for any allergy to adhesive gels or other items

- Clean the area, where the electrodes kept thoroughly after the procedure.