A medical assistant may be responsible for setting up and performing electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) testing. It is also important to be able to recognize heart rhythms which may indicate cardiac problems requiring immediate intervention by the doctor. This module teaches you how to prepare for, perform and interpret a 12-lead ECG (EKG). Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers three scenarios that test your ability to correctly perform and obtain a 12-lead electrocardiograph, and interpret the heart rate and rhythm for common pathologies. Practice the steps of the procedures online as often as you want, until you feel confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.
You’ll learn
pre-procedure and post-procedure considerations for performing an ECG (EKG)
to understand and describe the basic electrophysiology of the heart
to explain the electrical heart views and properties of a 12-lead electrocardiogram
to visualize the key anatomical structures of the chest and rib cage, main vessels of the heart, and 3D, 360-degree rotating heart
to practice and perfect your skills in performing an accurate 12-lead ECG (EKG)
how to identify tracings of a normal cardiac condition and common arrhythmias
how to recognize, explain and resolve ECG artifacts
correct documentation and recording requirements
relevant medical terminology
much more (see Content Details for more specific information)
Introduction
Step 1 - Preparation
Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation
Step 1.2 - Medical assistant preparation
Step 1.3 - Patient preparation
Step 2 - Clean the sites
Step 3 - Apply and attach the electrodes
Step 3.1 - Place the electrodes on the extremities
Step 3.2 - Place the precordial electrodes on the chest
Step 3.3 - Connect the lead wires
Step 4 - Record the ECG
Step 5 - Analyze the 12-lead ECG
Step 5.1 - Assess the heart rate
Step 5.1.1 - The 6-second ECG count
Step 5.1.2 - The small square count
Step 5.1.3 - The large square count
Step 5.2 - Assess the rhythm
Step 5.2.1 - Assess the atrial rhythm
Step 5.2.2 - Assess the ventricular rhythm
Step 5.3 - Examine the PQRST complex
Step 5.3.1 - Assess the P wave
Step 5.3.2 - Assess the intervals
Step 5.3.3 - Assess the wave and segment appearance
Step 5.4 - Common abnormal ECG recordings
Step 5.4.1 - Sinus arrhythmias
Step 5.4.2 - Atrial arrhythmias
Step 5.4.3 - Junctional arrhythmia
Step 5.4.4 - Ventricular arrhythmia
Step 5.4.5 - AV blocks
Step 5.4.6 - Biochemical arrhythmias
Step 5.4.7 - Pacemaker systems
Step 5.4.8 - Myocardial infarction
Step 6 - Complete the procedure
Step 7 - Stress testing and Holter monitoring
Step 7.1 - Stress testing
Step 7.2 - Holter monitoring
All required reference materials are provided with this program. Technical requirements:
Internet Connection
• Broadband or High-Speed (DSL, Cable, Wireless)
Hardware Requirements
• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended
Software Requirements
• Operating Systems - Windows 7, 8 or 10; Mac OS x 10 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2007, 2010 or 2013 or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• Adobe PDF Reader
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.
Perform ECG and Interpret Simulation FAQs
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form, or toll free at
1-855-201-6910.
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form, or toll free at
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