Saunders Nursing Survival Guide: ECGs and the Heart

Cynthia C. Chernecky (Author), Kitty Garrett (Author), Beverly George-Gay (Author), Rebecca K. Hodges (Author)

9781416028789, Elsevier Health Sciences

Paperback / softback, published 26 January 2006

416 pages
23.4 x 19 x 2.6 cm, 0.66 kg

Using lighthearted cartoons and mnemonic tools, this easy-to-read guide simplifies and clearly explains the heart and how it works. It covers the principles of ECG interpretation, to help you understand ECG rhythm and its relationship to cardiac electrophysiology. The 2nd edition features two new chapters on normal sinus rhythm and idioventricular rhythms. Over 100 NCLEX® examination-style questions are included, with 2-3 rhythm strips at the end of most chapters, and 30 more at the end of the book to practice interpretation.

• Unique presentation of content allows students to survive and thrive.
• Material is presented using adult learning principles and various active-learning strategies to engage nursing students of all ages, backgrounds, and learning styles.
• Consistent chapter format breaks down information into small units and reinforces an effective thinking process.
• Special icons for Lifespan Considerations, Cultural Implications, Web Links, and Cautions help the student quickly identify special content in the chapter.
• Memory-reinforcing interactive activities (including fill-in the blank, matching, word jumbles, true/false, and crossword puzzles) promote student learning.
• Clinical terms and shorthand expressions are highlighted in parentheses to expose students to terminology that they will hear in the hospital setting.
• Boxed Take Home Points provide the benefit of years of nursing experience that students can use to prepare for their clinical rotation.
• Original cartoon-character illustrations walk the student through difficult subjects with a lighthearted approach.

1. Anatomy and Physiology

2. Reference Points for Rhythm Strip Measurments

3. Principles of Rhythm Interpretation & Waveform Analysis

4. Measuring Atrial and Ventricular Rates

5. Analyzing the Rhythm Strip

6. Troubleshooting Problems in Waveforms

7. Electrocardiogram: Monitoring and Electrode Placement

8. Normal Sinus Rhythm (NEW)

9. Sinus Dysrhythmias

10. Atrial Dysrhythmias

11. Junctional Dysrhythmias

12. Premature Ventricular Contractions

13. Ventricular Tachycardia

14. Ventricular Fibrillation

15. Idioventricular Rhythms (NEW)

16. Asystole or Ventricular Standstill

17. Atrioventricular Blocks

18. Cardiac Noninvasive Diagnostic Tests

19. Myocardial Infarction

20. Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade

21. Drug Effects, Toxicities and Electrolytes

22. Conduction Defects and Accessory Pathways

23. Special Considerations

24. Rhythm Strip Test

Subject Areas: Nursing [MQC]