Cardiac Dysrhythmia Management

Presented Live or Self-Study

This class is designed to provide health care workers with a learning opportunity in the art of cardiac dysrhythmia interpretation & management.

The following options are available to assist you in accessing this training:

  1. Classroom presentation
    or
  2. Self-Study (contact Regional Health Education Center: 641-422-7100)

Classroom Version:

Three Sessions: January 28, 29, and February 3, 2009

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Course Numbers: Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa Employees #61857; All other participants #61856

Location: West Campus Classroom 3, Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, Mason City

Pre-registration Deadline: January 21, 2009)

To Register: Call NIACC Continuing Education: 1-888-466-4222 ext 4358 or 641 422 4358.

Click for general continuing education information Audience/Credit: 1.8 CEUs for RNs and LPNs (IBON #3); 18.00 Formal CEHs for EMS Personnel
(Note: Satisfactory completion of the final test is required to receive CEUs.)

Fee: $135.00 (Does not include cost of textbook)

Pre-course Assignment: A pre-course reading assignment must be completed prior to the first class (see below for textbook information).

Textbook: Basic Arrhythmias, 6th Ed., Gail Walraven
Books are available for checkout at Mercy Library or can be purchased for a cost of approximately $85.00.

Calipers: Please bring your own calipers to class and have a pair available if enrolled in the self-study course.

Instructor/Self-Study Author: Jill Tarr, RN

Objectives: Identify the location and function of the parts of the electrical conduction system. Describe the normal sequence of electrical activation and its relationship to mechanical events and EKG patterns. Define the terms polarized, depolarization, and repolarization. Identify the parameters of normal and abnormal waveform patterns and measure them on ECG graph paper. Calculate the heart rates of regular and irregular rhythms on ECG graph paper. Identify the principles of automaticity, excitability, refractoriness, and conductively as they relate to the genesis of normal and abnormal rhythms. Describe a systematic approach to interpretation of cardiac rhythms. Identify signs and symptoms that may be associated with dysrhythmias. Discuss the mechanisms of action, ECG characteristics, and hemodynamic consequences for each of the following: sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, sinus arrest, premature atrial contractions, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, premature junctional contractions, junctional rhythm and escape beats, accelerated junctional rhythm, wandering atrial pacemaker, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular escape rhythm and escape beats, accelerated ventricular rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, asystole, agonal rhythm, first degree AV block, second degree AV block (Mobitz I & II), third degree AV block. Identify the rhythms listed above on practice ECG rhythm strips. Discuss methods, systems, and components utilized for monitoring cardiac rhythms. Identify proper skin preparation and electrode placement for Lead II and MCL1 using both three and five lead cables. Identify the causes of ECG artifact. Identify the indications, actions, recommended dosage and side effects of pharmacologic agents used to manage cardiac dysrhythmias. Describe nursing implications in caring for the patient receiving these medications. Discuss the indications, procedure, electrical safety, and nursing implications for cardioversion and defibrillation. Discuss cardiac dysrhythmias and management as they are categorized in the ACLS Algorithms.

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