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Basic electrocardiogram interpretation for perioperative nurses
Author(s) -
Hutchisson Bettyann,
Cossey Shirley,
Wheeler Rose Marie
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)60665-0
Subject(s) - medicine , perioperative , cardiology , sedation , electrocardiography , perioperative nursing , electrical conduction system of the heart , conduction abnormalities , intensive care medicine , anesthesia
• CHANGES IN PRACTICE have made knowledge of the cardiac conduction system and basic electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation a necessity because perioperative nurses are required to manage an increasing number of patients undergoing IV conscious sedation who require EKG monitoring. • RAPID EKG INTERPRETATION can reveal arrhythmias before a patient becomes symptomatic. An EKG can reveal underlying cardiac problems and uncover electrolyte imbalances that, if left untreated, could hinder positive patient outcomes. • THE CONDUCTION AND CORONARY ARTERY SYSTEMS of the heart are described to enable identification of normal and abnormal EKG rhythms. Each arrhythmia is described, and potential causes and probable treatments are discussed. AORN J 78 (October 2003) 572–589.