EKG Interpretation - The Basics: Normal Intervals & RULES to memorize

This video explains the normal time intervals of the cardiac conduction cycle: PR Interval (PRI), QRS complex, J point, ST segment and QT interval and their relation to the isoelectric line. It further dives into RULES to memorize that are helpful to memorize and apply to each rhythm strip for best results in EKG interpretation.
The content of this video is intended to serve as the foundation for the interpretation of EKG dysrhythmias.
For more videos about this important topic please refer to the EKG Interpretation playlist of my channel Nursing School Explained. The videos in this playlist are intended to be watched in succession for best results: Basic Electrophysiology, EKG Interpretation - The Basics: EKG paper and Determination of Heart Rate, EKG Interpretation - The Basics - Normal Intervals and RULE to Memorize, Sinus rhythms, Atrial rhythms, AV blocks, and Ventricular rhythms.
RULES FOR EKG INTERPRETATION:
Go through these steps whenever you are looking at rhythm strips and you will have great success with EKG interpretation:
1. Determine HR:
Count QRS complexes on a 6 second rhythm strip and multiply by 10 for 1 minute HR.
2. Rhythm: regular or irregular?
Use calipers or "march out with paper".
See this video for those steps: • EKG Interpretation - T...
3. P waves:
a) upright?
b) one for every QRS complex?
4. Intervals: are they normal?
a) PRI: 0.12-0.20 seconds (3/5 boxes)
b) QRS complex: less than 0.12 seconds (less than 3 boxes)
EKG INTERPRETATION - THE BASICS:
1. Basic Electrophysiology - a foundation for EKG Interpretation • Basic Electrophysiolog...
2. EKG Interpretation - The Basics: EKG paper and Determination of Heart Rate • EKG Interpretation - T...
3. The Basics - Normal intervals and RULES to memorize • EKG Interpretation - T...
SINUS RHYTHMS
• SINUS RHYTHMS
ATRIAL RHYTHMS
1. Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) • Premature Atrial Contr...
2. Atrial Flutter • Atrial Flutter
3. Atrial Fibrillation • Atrial Fibrillation
4. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) • Supraventricular Tachy...
ATRIOVENTRICULAR RHYTHMS
1. First degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block • First Degree AV (Heart...
2. Second degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block (aka Mobitz Type I or Wenckebach) • Second Degree AV (Hear...
3. Second degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block (aka Mobitz Type II or Classical Heart block) • Second Degree AV (Hear...
4. Third degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block or Complete Heart Block • Third Degree/Complete ...
VENTRICULAR RHYTHMS
1. Premature Ventricular Complexes/Contractions (PVCs) • Premature Ventricular ...
2. Ventricular Tachycardia (Vtach) • Ventricular Tachycardi...
3. Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) • Ventricular Fibrillati...
4. Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) • Pulseless Electrical A...
5. Asystole (aka ventricular standstill) • Asystole (aka ventricu...

[@gioiazucchero]

Thank you!

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

You're welcome!

[@ailyndiaz2589]

Thank you for the rules. It really hard to see the small boxes 🧐🧐🧐

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

I agree. The rules and boxes will make more sense when you actually apply them to actual rhythm strips. Stay tuned for the next few weeks' videos.

[@taneeshastephenson718]

Should be 0.12 for the QRS complex if its 3 boxes not 0.08. 0.08 would be 2 boxes.

[@NursingSchoolExplained]

Thank you for your comment. A normal QRS is actually LESS than 0.12 sec, so LESS THAN 3 boxes. If it is between 0.08 and 0.10 sec, it is considered a slight prolongation. A QRS of 0.12 sec or GREATER is abnormal, signifying some conduction delay in the ventricles.
Hope this helps to clear things up!

[@taneeshastephenson718]

@@NursingSchoolExplained Thank you