ECG Principles: An Overview
Hours: 1.00
The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool that provides a window into the electrical conduction of the heart. It can provide helpful, and even vital, information in a wide range of situations, such as detecting arrhythmias or cardiac abnormalities. ECGs are primarily utilized by healthcare providers (HCPs) to screen and assess for cardiac irregularities. It is important for HCPs to understand the concepts of cardiac electrical activation and the principles of ECG interpretation. Unfortunately, some HCPs have misinterpreted ECGs due to a lack of necessary skills needed to interpret an ECG (24%), or a lack of medical knowledge (16%) (Berndt et al., 2020). The misinterpretation of ECGs has led to misdiagnoses and potential delays in necessary medical treatment. It is important for HCPs to understand how to interpret ECG rhythm strips to correctly diagnose the patient and provide prompt, necessary treatment.
The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool that provides a window into the electrical conduction of the heart. It can provide helpful, and even vital, information in a wide range of situations, such as detecting arrhythmias or cardiac abnormalities. ECGs are primarily utilized by healthcare providers (HCPs) to screen and assess for cardiac irregularities. It is important for HCPs to understand the concepts of cardiac electrical activation and the principles of ECG interpretation. Unfortunately, some HCPs have misinterpreted ECGs due to a lack of necessary skills needed to interpret an ECG (24%), or a lack of medical knowledge (16%) (Berndt et al., 2020). The misinterpretation of ECGs has led to misdiagnoses and potential delays in necessary medical treatment. It is important for HCPs to understand how to interpret ECG rhythm strips to correctly diagnose the patient and provide prompt, necessary treatment.
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Relias LLC designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program
Relias LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
Relias LLC designates this activity for 1.00 continuing education credits.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider, or to the
Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
American Nurses Credentialing Center
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Nurses will receive 1.00 Nursing Contact Hours after successfully completing this course.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Arkansas State Board Of Nursing Approved Continuing Education program (CEBroker Provider #50-290).
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
California Board of Registered Nursing
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP# 13791
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
District of Columbia Board of Nursing Approved Continuing Education program (CEBroker Provider #50-290).
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Florida Board of Medicine
Florida Board of Medicine (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Physicians will receive 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™.
Florida Board of Nursing
Florida Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Florida Physician Assistants
Florida Physician Assistants (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Georgia Board of Nursing
Georgia Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Kentucky Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (CEBroker Provider #: 50-290)
Physicians will receive 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™.
Mississippi Board of Nursing
Mississippi Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure
Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure (CEBroker Provider #: 50-290)
Physicians will receive 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™.
New Mexico Board of Nursing
New Mexico Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
New Mexico Medical Board
Physicians will receive 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™.
North Dakota Board of Nursing
North Dakota Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Ohio State Medical Board
State Medical Board of Ohio (CEBroker Provider #: 50-290)
Physicians will receive 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™.
South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
South Carolina Board of Nursing
South Carolina Board of Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Tennessee Board Of Medical Examiners
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Physicians will receive 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™
West Virginia Board of Registered Nursing
West Virginia Board of Registered Nursing (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Nurses will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Explain the rationale behind the placement of the electrodes when recording a 12-lead ECG, and how leads interpret electrical cardiac activity.
Identify the relevant cardiac activity in relation to ECG waveforms, intervals, and segments, and how ECG tracing relates to the anatomy and physiology of the heart.
Recall the steps to interpreting ECG rhythm strips and how electrolyte disturbances affect ECG recordings.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Cardiac Conduction System
Cardiac Conduction Anatomy
Cardiac Conduction Physiology
Review
Summary
Section 3: ECG Principles
Introduction to the 12 Views of the Heart
The 12-Lead ECG Machine
Rhythm Strip Views of the Heart
Critical Thinking
ECG Electrode Placement
Review
Summary
Section 4: ECG Rhythm Strip Components
Overview
Basic ECG Waveform and Complexes
ECG Intervals and Segments
Review
Summary
Section 5: Interpreting ECG Rhythm Strips
A Systematic Approach
Sequence of the Cardiac Cycle
Rate
Rhythm
Intervals
Practice
Axis
Electrolyte Disturbances
Review
Summary
Section 6: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
References
Writer: Alia Lutz, BA, BSN, RN
Alia Lutz, BA, BSN, RN, has over 10 years of experience as a Registered Nurse with a focus on cardiothoracic, respiratory, and coronary care. She has also had experience in Med-Surg, step-down and ICU. Prior to joining Relias as a SME and Content Writer for acute care, she provided virtual education and injection training on injectable biologics to patients, reported adverse events, and was a patient advocate. She has collaborated with peers on creating job aids, writing policies, and improving quality of care and documentation. Alia received her Bachelors in Nursing from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand in 2011.
The target audience for this course is: Dental Professionals; Nurses; Physician Assistants; Physicians; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.
Asynchronous/Online Distance Learning; please see certificate details for specifics on delivery format.
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All courses offered by Relias, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
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All characteristics and organizations referenced in the following training are fictional. Any resemblance to any actual organizations or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
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