EMR Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-1204 | EKG – What They Didn’t Teach In School
EMR Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-1204 | EKG – What They Didn’t Teach In School : In the field EKGs is just not about knowing waveforms or spotting textbook Rhythms. This course goes beyond what is taught in class focusing on recognizing subtle changes, focusing on practical tips, and field ready insights. The lessons covered are
- Lesson 1: EKG Basics – What You’re Looking At
- Lesson 2: Normal Vs. Abnormal – When To Be Concerned
- Lesson 3: The EMR’s Role In EKG Monitoring, and,
- Lesson 4: Real-World Applications & Case Studies
Excerpt from EMR Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-1204 | EKG – What They Didn’t Teach In School
Your basic pulse check can tell you a lot. If you count 45 beats in a minute, that’s braydycardia. If you can’t keep up with the rate because it’s so fast, that’s tachycardia. If the pulse seems to skip or have extra beats, those might be PVCs – premature ventricular contractions. You’re not diagnosing, but you’re gathering information that suggests what the monitor would show.
Here’s a practical tip: when you feel an irregular pulse, count for a full minute. Those 15-second counts we usually do? They’re not accurate when the rhythm’s irregular. Also, pay attention to the strength of each beat. In atrial fibrillation, some beats are stronger than others because the ventricles have different filling times. That variation in pulse strength you’re feeling? That’s valuable information to pass along. ‘Pulse is irregular and varies in strength’ tells the incoming medic a lot more than just ‘pulse present.’ Your fingers are giving you rhythm information – use it.
Core Concepts & Takeaways
- Describe the relationship between the sodium-potassium pump, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac rhythm disturbances in patients with renal failure, dehydration, or medication effects.
- Differentiate between normal sinus rhythm and common abnormal rhythms (bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and life-threatening rhythms) using pulse assessment techniques and patient presentation.
- Demonstrate proper skin preparation and electrode placement techniques to ensure accurate cardiac monitoring while maintaining patient dignity and comfort.
- Identify atypical cardiac emergency presentations, including silent myocardial infarction, cardiac-related altered mental status, and rhythm problems in high-risk populations such as dialysis patients, and,
- Apply EMR scope of practice boundaries when supporting ALS providers during cardiac monitoring by anticipating equipment needs, communicating relevant patient observations, and recognizing when rhythm changes require urgent intervention.
Important Notes:
To get credit for this course, you must watch all the lessons in their entirety, the course review, and pass the quiz at the end with a score of 75% or better.
Course Curriculum
EMR Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-1204 | EKG – What They Didn’t Teach In School
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Lesson 0 – Introduction
02:32 -
Lesson 1 – EKG Basics – What You’re Looking At
10:38 -
Lesson 2 – Normal Vs. Abnormal – When to Be Concerned
14:09 -
Lesson 3 – The EMR’s Role in EKG Monitoring
09:49 -
Lesson 4 – Real World Applications and Case Studies
13:06 -
Lesson 5 – Chapter Review
02:59 -
EMR Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-1204 | EKG – What They Didn’t Teach In School | QUIZ
An application for accreditation has been submitted to the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education.
Disclosure: The planners, faculty, and content developers of this activity have no relevant financial relationships or commercial interests to disclose. No commercial support was received for this activity.
