Prepare and Perform an ECG

Medical Assisting

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

A medical assistant may be responsible for setting up and performing electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) testing. This module teaches you how.

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A medical assistant may be responsible for setting up and performing electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) testing. It is also important to be able to recognize heart rhythms which may indicate cardiac problems requiring immediate intervention by the doctor. This module teaches you how to prepare for, perform and interpret a 12-lead ECG (EKG). Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers three scenarios that test your ability to correctly perform and obtain a 12-lead electrocardiograph, and interpret the heart rate and rhythm for common pathologies. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.

You’ll learn

pre-procedure and post-procedure considerations for performing an ECG (EKG)
to understand and describe the basic electrophysiology of the heart
to explain the electrical heart views and properties of a 12-lead electrocardiogram
to visualize the key anatomical structures of the chest and rib cage, main vessels of the heart, and 3D, 360-degree rotating heart
to practice and perfect your skills in performing an accurate 12-lead ECG (EKG)
how to identify tracings of a normal cardiac condition and common arrhythmias
how to recognize, explain and resolve ECG artifacts
correct documentation and recording requirements
relevant medical terminology
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation

Step 1.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2 - Clean the sites

Step 3 - Apply and attach the electrodes

Step 3.1 - Place the electrodes on the extremities

Step 3.2 - Place the precordial electrodes on the chest

Step 3.3 - Connect the lead wires

Step 4 - Record the ECG

Step 5 - Analyze the 12-lead ECG

Step 5.1 - Assess the heart rate

Step 5.1.1 - The 6-second ECG count

Step 5.1.2 - The small square count

Step 5.1.3 - The large square count

Step 5.2 - Assess the rhythm

Step 5.2.1 - Assess the atrial rhythm

Step 5.2.2 - Assess the ventricular rhythm

Step 5.3 - Examine the PQRST complex

Step 5.3.1 - Assess the P wave

Step 5.3.2 - Assess the intervals

Step 5.3.3 - Assess the wave and segment appearance

Step 5.4 - Common abnormal ECG recordings

Step 5.4.1 - Sinus arrhythmias

Step 5.4.2 - Atrial arrhythmias

Step 5.4.3 - Junctional arrhythmia

Step 5.4.4 - Ventricular arrhythmia

Step 5.4.5 - AV blocks

Step 5.4.6 - Biochemical arrhythmias

Step 5.4.7 - Pacemaker systems

Step 5.4.8 - Myocardial infarction

Step 6 - Complete the procedure

Step 7 - Stress testing and Holter monitoring

Step 7.1 - Stress testing

Step 7.2 - Holter monitoring

Describe pre-procedure considerations for performing an ECG.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for performing an ECG.
Describe the basic electrophysiology of the heart.
Describe and explain the electrical heart views and properties of a 12-lead ECG.
Describe and demonstrate how to perform an accurate 12-lead ECG.
Identify tracings of a normal cardiac condition and common arrhythmias.
Identify and explain ECG artifacts, and how to resolve them.
Describe stress testing and Holter monitoring.
Know the correct post-procedure considerations.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long