Test your EKG interpretation skills with these “strip teasers.” If you aren’t satisfied with your skills, check out The Urgent Care EKG Course!
TEASER 1: A 45-year-old marathon runner presents with this rhythm strip. What is your interpretation of this strip, and is it necessarily pathologic in this patient?
Open for the answer to Teaser 1
The correct interpretation is sinus bradycardia. It is not necessarily pathologic in this patient, as athletes can have naturally slower heart rates.
TEASER 2: A 26-year-old medical student comes into your urgent care complaining of palpitations and dizzy spells. She states that she feels her heart racing and she has consumed 12 cups of coffee in the last 6 hours, as she was up all night studying for exams. What does this rhythm strip show?
Open for the answer to Teaser 2
This strip shows supraventricular tachycardia.
TEASER 3: A 57-year-old woman presents to urgent care with left-sided pleuritic chest pain with deep inspiration and a cough. This rhythm strip was obtained in triage. What is the rhythm, and are you concerned?
Open for the answer to Teaser 3
This is sinus arrhythmia. It is not particularly concerning, as this can be a normal variant, particularly with respirations.
TEASER 4: A 63-year-old man presents to your urgent care reporting lightheadedness in the shower today and a “funny feeling in my chest.” What does this triage rhythm strip show?
Open for the answer to Teaser 4
This strip shows atrial fibrillation.
TEASER 5: A 37-year-old woman with anorexia presents to your urgent care complaining of upper respiratory symptoms. While in the waiting room, she suddenly passes out and the staff say that they can’t feel a pulse. You put her on the monitor and see this rhythm. What is your interpretation?
Open for the answer to Teaser 5
Torsade de pointes
EB Medicine’s Upskill Academy is a customized curriculum for urgent care groups. For more information, contact Dana Stenzel, Account Executive, at 678-336-8466 x120 or Danas@ebmedicine.net
Dr. Lisa Campanella-Coppo is a Board-Certified emergency physician with a background in managing high-acuity urgent care settings and contributing to graduate medical education. She is also a contributing writer for EB Medicine.
