ACLS Algorithm and ECG Strip Interpretation American Heart Association ACLS Algorithm and ECG Strip Interpretation MSU Family Health II: Cardiac Interpretation

Cardiac Conduction System SA Node AV Node Bundle of HIS Purkinje Fibers

Cardiac Rhythm Paper

Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Summary of Key Issues and Major Changes made in 2015 The combined use of vasopressin and epinephrine offers no advantage to using standard-dose epinephrine in cardiac arrest and therefore vasopressin has been removed from the ASCL cardiac arrest algorithm. In cardiac arrest patients with non-shockable rhythm and who are otherwise receiving epinephrine, the early provision of epinephrine is suggested. There is a strong association between early administration of epinephrine and increased ROSC, survival to hospital discharge, and neurologically intact survival. One observational study suggests that ß-blocker use after cardiac arrest may be associated with better outcomes than when ß-blockers are not used, however,  the routine use of ß-blockers after cardiac arrest is potentially hazardous because ß-blockers can cause or worsen hemodynamic instability, exacerbate heart failure, and cause bradyarrhythmias. Link to 2015 AHA Summary of Guidelines: https://eccguidelines.heart.org/index.php/circulation/cpr-ecc-guidelines-2/part-7-adult-advanced-cardiovascular-life-support/

When interrupting cardiac rhythms remember: Rate: achieved by counting QRS spikes Rhythm: use calipers to determine QRS spikes are equal P Wave: assess for presence prior to QRS complex PR Interval: measure from beginning of P wave to the beginning of QRS complex QRS: Assess base of QRS for width; is it wide or narrow?

For Example: Rate: 80 beats per minute Rhythm: Regular P Wave: Present before every QRS complex PR Interval: 0.20 QRS: 0.08 Interpretation: Normal Sinus Rhythm