Atrial Rhythms and EKG Characteristics

This video tutorial covers various atrial rhythms, including ectopic atrial tachycardia, wandering atrial pacemaker, multifocal atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, and atrial fibrillation. It explains the characteristics, identification, and differences between these rhythms, focusing on their origins, p-wave morphology, and rhythm regularity. The tutorial also provides examples and tips for recognizing these rhythms on an EKG.

What distinguishes atrial rhythms from sinus rhythms?

• Atrial rhythms originate from the SA node.

• Atrial rhythms have no p-wave.

• Atrial rhythms have a wide QRS complex.

• Atrial rhythms originate from anywhere in the atria except the SA node.

Which of the following is a characteristic of ectopic atrial tachycardia?

• The p-wave is different from the sinus p-wave.

• The p-wave is always upright.

• The QRS complex is wide.

• The rhythm is irregularly irregular.

What is the key difference between wandering atrial pacemaker and multifocal atrial tachycardia?

• Wandering atrial pacemaker has a rate greater than 100 bpm.

• Multifocal atrial tachycardia has a rate less than 100 bpm.

• Wandering atrial pacemaker has a rate less than 100 bpm.

• Both have the same rate.

How many different p-wave morphologies are required to identify a wandering atrial pacemaker?

• At least four

• At least three

• At least two

• At least one

What is a common feature of atrial flutter on an EKG?

• No p-waves

• Irregularly irregular rhythm

• Sawtooth f-wave pattern

• Wide QRS complexes

In atrial flutter, what does a 2:1 ratio indicate?

• Two p-waves for every QRS complex

• Two flutter waves for every QRS complex

• Two QRS complexes for every p-wave

• Two QRS complexes for every flutter wave

What is a defining characteristic of atrial fibrillation?

• Regular rhythm

• Presence of p-waves

• Irregularly irregular rhythm

• Wide QRS complexes

What is the typical appearance of p-waves in atrial fibrillation?

• Upright

• Inverted

• Absent or replaced by fibrillatory waves

• Clearly identifiable

Which medication is commonly used to manage atrial fibrillation?

• Antihistamines

• Blood thinners

• Antibiotics

• Pain relievers

What is the typical ventricular response rate in controlled atrial fibrillation?

• Exactly 120 bpm

• Around 100 bpm

• More than 150 bpm

• Less than 60 bpm