Course ID: FQUEWU109
Course Name: Basic EKG Monitoring
Credits: 1

This one contact hour home study continuing education course is designed to give an overview of basic EKG concepts. The course begins with an overview of the electrical conduction system of the heart, followed by an explanation of how the conduction system correlates with the PQRST complex. Included is an explanation of electrode / lead wire placement and basic EKG rhythms including: sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, premature atrial contractions, atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and basic paced rhythm.

About the Author
Dr. Kathryn Keller received her Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degree in Nursing from the University of Miami. Her area of expertise is in critical care and acute care nursing. She coordinated and taught ACLS courses for many years and is currently an Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Keller has numerous publications in the areas of cardiovascular nursing.

Tracey Richman received her BSN and is completing her Masters degree in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. In addition, she has a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Florida. Ms. Richman's clinical practice has been in emergency nursing and cardiac care. She is currently certified as an ACLS instructor.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this home study continuing education course, the participant will be able to:

1. State the normal sequence of cardiac conduction.
2. Describe how the conduction system correlates to the PQRST complex.
3. Determine an atrial and ventricular heart rate from an EKG strip.
4. Describe the correct placement of the color-coded lead wire/electrodes.
5. Identify basic EKG rhythms.
6. Discuss basic nursing interventions for selected cardiac rhythms.