5 Step Method to EKG Interpretation
Step 1. Rhythm
Step 2. Rate
Step 3. Identify and examine P waves
Step 4. Measure PR Interval
Step 5: Measure QRS complex
Step 2. Rate
Step 3. Identify and examine P waves
Step 4. Measure PR Interval
Step 5: Measure QRS complex
Rhythm:
![Picture](/uploads/5/7/8/3/5783824/4050153.gif?289)
Establish regularity or irregularity
Ventricular rhythm: Begin at L side of strip, measure R wave to R wave, are they regular or irregular?
Rate:
Determine Rate: Is it Normal, Tachycardic, or Bradycardic?
Method 1: Count number of R waves on 6 second strip and multiply by 10. Provides approximate heart rate. Fast and simple. Used for irregular and regular rhythms.
Method 2: Count number of small squares between 2 consecutive R waves and divide into 1500. Using Sinus Rhythm strip above: 1500/ 25 = 60 BPM. Only used for determining regular rhythms.
Remember:
SA node: 60-100 BPM
Junctional pacemaker (AV node): 40-60 BPM
Ventricular pacemaker: 20-40 BPM
Method 1: Count number of R waves on 6 second strip and multiply by 10. Provides approximate heart rate. Fast and simple. Used for irregular and regular rhythms.
Method 2: Count number of small squares between 2 consecutive R waves and divide into 1500. Using Sinus Rhythm strip above: 1500/ 25 = 60 BPM. Only used for determining regular rhythms.
Remember:
SA node: 60-100 BPM
Junctional pacemaker (AV node): 40-60 BPM
Ventricular pacemaker: 20-40 BPM
P Wave Identification and Examination
![Picture](/uploads/5/7/8/3/5783824/3795089.jpg?320)
Analyze the P waves.
1st: Identify the P waves.
Ask yourself:
Is there one P wave before each QRS complex?
Are the P waves similar in size, shape, and position?
Are they normal in appearance?
1st: Identify the P waves.
Ask yourself:
Is there one P wave before each QRS complex?
Are the P waves similar in size, shape, and position?
Are they normal in appearance?
PR Interval
![Picture](/uploads/5/7/8/3/5783824/5300270.png?324)
Normal PRI: 0.12 to 0.20 second
Things to ask yourself:
Is the PRI consistently the same length throughout the strip?
Is the PRI normal?
QRS Complex
![Picture](/uploads/5/7/8/3/5783824/7679784.gif?341)
Normal QRS duration: < 0.10 second and are usually supraventricular in nature. (Conduction occurs above the ventricle).
Measured by: counting the number of small squares and multiplying by 0.04 second. Example: 2.5 small squares x 0.04= 0.10 second
If the QRS is > 0.12 second, may be ventricular rhythm.
Measured by: counting the number of small squares and multiplying by 0.04 second. Example: 2.5 small squares x 0.04= 0.10 second
If the QRS is > 0.12 second, may be ventricular rhythm.