Angelite Nurses

Electrocardiography (ECG, EKG)

: a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart as reflected by changes in electrical potential at the skin surface.

: It is the first diagnostic test done when cardiovascular disease is suspected.

B. Purposes of the Procedure

Clinical usefulness: evaluation of conditions that interfere with the normal electrophysiological function such as:

> disturbance of rhythm

> disorders of cardiac muscle

> enlargement of chambers of the heart

> presence of myocardial infarction

> electrolyte imbalance


Preparation of the Patient

> Inform the client that the procedure is painless. He will not experience electrocution or shock.

> Instruct client to lie still while the ECG is being done.

Procedure

ECG is obtained by placing leads on various parts of the body and recording the electrical impulse as tracing on a strip of paper or on the screen of the oscilloscope.




Normal ECG findings :

Rate: 60-100 beats / minute

P wave: 0.04 – 0.11 seconds (represent atrial depolarization)

PR interval: 0.12 – 0.20 seconds (time of impulse transmission from the sinoatrial node to the atrioventricular node)

QRS Complex: 0.05 – 0.10 seconds (represents ventricular depolarization)

ST segment: represents the plateau phase of the action potential

T wave: should not exceed 5 mm amplitude (represents ventricular repolarization