In order to be declared dead, our heart must stop. There are many clues when the heart is approaching this point and hence when immediate action is needed to prevent certain death. Clinicians who understand telemetry can be more aware of electrophysiological abnormalities of the heart, especially those that can be life threatening.

Telemetry/EKGs can give further evidence about:

• The electrophysiological health of the heart
• The cause of a patient's signs/symptoms
• When a patient's heart is tolerating therapy/activity
• When therapy or other activity should be modified or ceased
• When a patient's heart is in a dangerous arrhythmia
• When a patient needs Electrophysiological Studies (EPS)
• When a patient needs a cardiology consult
• When a patient may need a pacemaker
• When a patient's electrolytes are abnormal
• Whether a patient's medications are efficacious or not
• When to call a code

This course is geared to the ICU beginner and veteran alike. It provides an in depth review of telemetry and helps non-cardiologists understand why it is important to monitor a heart's electrophysiology and how to understand what it all means. Every attempt is made to simplify the complexities of telemetry and point out common mistakes so they can be avoided.

Target audience

OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, RNs, LPNs, SLPs, SLPAs, and students.

Objectives of the course

• Know the difference between the electrophysiological and mechanical make-up of the heart. Know how to monitor each.
• Know the 2 inherent characteristics of cardiac muscle.
• Know general characteristics of rhythms originating in different areas of the heart.
• Understand the 3 main waves/complexes.
• Be able to name various ways the electrophysiological component of the heart is monitored in the hospital.
• Be able to diagram some of the most common rhythms/arrhythmias.
• Know how to read the parameters of telemetry off the monitor.
• Know how to alter telemetry equipment for moving a patient.
• Know how to determine the heart rate from a telemetry strip.
• Know how to name a rhythm.
• Develop a basic understanding of how to analyze a rhythm.
• Know what rhythms are benign, dangerous, or potentially dangerous.
• Know some telemetry/EKG changes with myocardial ischemia/infarction.
• Know when a patient has a heart block.
• Know the difference between types of pacemakers.
• Understand the issues behind implantable cardiac defibrillators.
• Know what devices don't mix well with telemetry

For detailed class information please see our course and details location