2 Atrial Rhythms and Supraventricular Tachycardias Free Online FlashCards

What should a systematic ECG assessment include?

Assess rate, regularity, P waves, PR and QRS intervals, conduction, 12-lead morphology, and the patient’s clinical stability.

What ECG pattern characterizes sinus rhythm?

Sinus rhythm has a consistent sinus P wave before each QRS, a stable PR interval, and usually a regular rhythm.

What ECG feature identifies a premature atrial complex?

A premature atrial complex is an early beat with a P wave that differs from sinus morphology. Its QRS is usually narrow unless conduction is aberrant.

What ECG pattern suggests atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation typically has no consistent P waves and irregularly irregular R–R intervals when AV conduction is intact.

What ECG clues suggest atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter has organized flutter waves, often with a saw-toothed appearance in inferior leads. A regular ventricular rate near 150 beats per minute should prompt a search for 2:1 flutter.

Which ECG features distinguish multifocal atrial tachycardia from atrial fibrillation?

Multifocal atrial tachycardia has an irregular rhythm, at least three distinct P-wave shapes, variable PR intervals, and an isoelectric baseline between P waves.

What ECG pattern suggests focal atrial tachycardia?

Focal atrial tachycardia is usually regular, with discrete P waves that differ from sinus P waves and may be hidden in preceding T waves.

What ECG pattern is typical of AVNRT?

AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia usually presents as an abrupt-onset, regular, narrow-complex tachycardia. P waves may be hidden in or just after the QRS.

What sinus-rhythm findings can indicate pre-excitation associated with AVRT?

AV re-entrant tachycardia is often regular; orthodromic AVRT is usually narrow-complex. A delta wave and short PR interval in sinus rhythm can indicate pre-excitation.

How does Mobitz I AV block appear on ECG?

In Mobitz I, PR intervals lengthen progressively until a P wave is not followed by a QRS; the sequence then repeats.

What is the safety concern with very rapid, irregular, wide-complex tachycardia and pre-excitation?

A very rapid, irregular, wide-complex rhythm in someone with known or suspected pre-excitation may be pre-excited AF. Avoid AV-nodal-blocking drugs and follow emergency protocols with expert support.

What defines sinus bradycardia, and what guides its assessment?

Sinus bradycardia is sinus rhythm below 60 beats per minute. It can be normal, so assess symptoms, perfusion, and possible reversible causes.