Page 101 - Critical Care Notes
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4223_Tab02_045-106  29/08/14  10:00 AM  Page 95





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                 Normal Cardiac Cycle and Measurements

                                            R
                         QRS        T
                    P         P

                                     Q        S
                        P-R interval
                                           0.04 sec
                                           0.20 sec
          Normal Rate → 60 to 100 bpm
          Normal PR → 0.12–0.20 sec
          Normal QRS → 0.08–0.12 sec
          P wave → atrial depolarization; QRS → ventricular depolarization; T wave →
          ventricular repolarization
                   Quick Guide to Analyzing the ECG
          ■ Determine the overall rate: <60 bpm → bradycardia, >100 bpm → tachycardia.
          ■ Determine the regularity: regular or irregular.
            ■ If irregular, is there any pattern?
          ■ Examine the P waves.
            ■ Is there a P wave before each QRS? Is there more than 1 P wave?
            ■ Are P waves absent?
            ■ What is the configuration of the P wave? Round? Saw toothed?
            ■ Do they look the same?
            ■ Do any occur earlier or later than expected?
            ■ Are any P waves located within the QRS or T wave?
          ■ Determine the PR interval.
            ■ Is it normal, prolonged, or shortened?
            ■ Can it be measured?
            ■ Is it the same for each beat? Any pattern?
          ■ Examine the QRS complex.
            ■ Is there a QRS after each P wave?
            ■ Do they look the same?
            ■ Do any occur earlier than expected?
            ■ Is there a pattern to QRS complexes occurring early?
                  CV
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