An introduction to the reading of electrocardiograms.
This article introduces the basic principles of reading electrocardiograms (ECGs) for nurses who are unfamiliar with reading them. For more experienced practitioners there are a number of useful articles and books (e.g. Hampton, 1992a, b) that will help further their knowledge. The ECG records cardiac electrical activity as a graph; interpretation is illustrated here by sinus rhythm. A single ECG lead (lead II) is used throughout this article. Atrial fibrillation is described to show a contrasting dysrhythmia. Specific nursing care is suggested for patients being monitored or having ECGs taken.
Woodrow
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Middlesex University, Whittington Education Centre, London.
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment