EKG Review for the Novice Learner

Abstract

OPEN ACCESSNovember 25, 2014EKG Review for the Novice Learner Jared Kutzin, DNP, MPH, MS, RN, BSN, Zachary Milligan, EMT-CC, Silvana Justiniano, MS, RN, CCRN Jared Kutzin, DNP, MPH, MS, RN, BSN Winthrop University Hospital Google Scholar More articles by this author , Zachary Milligan, EMT-CC Winthrop University Hospital Google Scholar More articles by this author , Silvana Justiniano, MS, RN, CCRN Winthrop University Hospital Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9952 SectionsAbout ToolsDownload Citations ShareFacebookTwitterEmail Abstract Introduction: The overall purpose of this simulation resource is to educate novices and advanced beginners about heart rhythm analysis, associated conditions, and corresponding treatments. The program assumes learners have a foundational knowledge related to heart rhythm interpretation. The resource is designed to reeducate learners about rhythm recognition and to allow them to identify rhythms and corresponding treatments in real time. Methods: At our institution, this simulation is used in conjunction with a presimulation individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) and group readiness assurance test (gRAT) as part of a larger curriculum. Following the iRAT and gRAT, learners are given a brief tour of the simulation space and introduced to the capabilities of the simulation equipment, if necessary. Next, the learners are divided into two or three groups, and two simulation cases and a medication administration station (if used) are conducted simultaneously. Debriefings follow, with the focus being on the skills of interpreting a heart rhythm waveform and treating the underlying condition. Results: This program has been implemented over 15 times with up to 12 learners per group. All the participants reported their satisfaction with the simulation and indicated that the hands-on components allowed them to retain the information better than simply going through another classroom learning activity. Participants also reported that they felt more comfortable dealing with cardiac arrhythmias after completing the program. Discussion: One limitation of this resource is the applicability of the exercises to experienced providers, who may find the simulation cases too basic. A further limitation is the time required to implement the resource, which takes approximately 3 hours. Finally, finding faculty capable of facilitating the iRAT and gRAT has been difficult. Many faculty are too eager to provide answers and do not allow the students to work through the material themselves. It is important that learners experience the iRAT and gRAT in the way they are designed to allow for maximum learning. Stepping in too early reduces the effect of the group learning experience. Educational Objectives By the end of this session, learners will be able to: Interpret a real-time EKG rhythm.Justify the interpretation of the EKG rhythm.Identify an EKG rhythm and associated cardiac condition.Demonstrate an ability to administer a cardiac medication.Assess and communicate a change in patient status.Implement the appropriate medical and nursing interventions for a patient with an arrhythmia. Sign up for the latest publications from MedEdPORTAL Add your email below FILES INCLUDEDReferencesRelatedDetails FILES INCLUDED Included in this publication: Instructor's Guide.docx IRAT and GRAT.docx Rhythm Analysis Answer Sheet.docx Tachycardia Arrhythmia Simulation.docx Bradycardia Arrhythmia Simulation.docx Medication Administration Station.docx Medication Administration Station w videos.pptx Heart Rhythms.mov SVT EKG.jpg Bradycardia EKG.jpg Mobitz Type I.jpg To view all publication components, extract (i.e., unzip) them from the downloaded .zip file. Download editor’s noteThis publication may contain technology or a display format that is no longer in use. CitationKutzin J, Milligan Z, Justiniano S. EKG Review for the Novice Learner. MedEdPORTAL. 2014;10:9952. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9952 Copyright & Permissions© 2014 Kutzin et al. This is an open-access publication distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike license.KeywordsACLSHeart RhythmElectrocardiographyArrhythmiaCardiac MedicationsEKG Disclosures None to report. Funding/Support None to report. Loading ...