ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES PROFESSIONAL 


Course Title: Electrocardiography for the Radiologic Sciences Professional 

Course Description: This course provides basic theory and guide experience in electrocardiography. Emphasis includes cardiac anatomy and physiology, instrumentation, procedural performance, and elementary interpretation. Laboratory experiences accompanied with clinical competencies are highly encouraged to assure mastery of didactic material. 

Course Delivery: This course is designed to be taught in 15 hours of didactic interface accompanied by 5 hours laboratory experiences. 

Objectives: At the completion of the course the student will be able to: 

  • Discuss the relevancy of electrocardiography in the delivery of healthcare. 
  • Describe the anatomy and discuss the physiological aspects of the human heart. 
  • Discuss the equipment necessary to perform an electrocardiogram. 
  • Describe the proper patient preparation and placement of the ECG leads. 
  • Recognize a normal electrocardiogram and common artifacts. 
  • Discuss methods of troubleshooting noted problems. 
  • Describe proper methods of marking and mounting an electrocardiogram. 
  • Review proper methods of maintenance and care of the electrocardiograph and accessories. 
  • Demonstrate safe electrical practices while performing electrocardiography. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete an electrocardiogram. 
Course Outline 

1. Introduction to Electrocardiography 

  1. History 
  2. Use 
  3. Relevancy
II. Structure and function of the Heart 
  1. Anatomy & Physiology review 
  2. Conduction System of the Heart 
  3. Cardiac Cycle
III. Electrocardiography Instrumentation 
  1. Types of Monitoring Equipment 
    1. Control System 
    2. Computerized System 
    3. Telemetry 
    4. Holter Monitoring 
  2. Electrodes & Lead wires 
    1. Types 
    2. Components 
    3. Lead wires
    4. Adapters 
  3. ECG Paper 
  4. Standardization of the Electrocardiograph 
  5. Electrical Safety 
  6. Maintenance and Care of Machine and Accessories
IV. Patient Preparation 
  1. Education 
  2. Skin Prep 
  3. Applying Electrodes 
  4. Long-term Monitoring
V. Electrode Placement 
  • Rationale 
  • Chest sites 
  • Limb sites 
    1. Unipolar 
    2. Bipolar 
VI. Technique

VII. Interpretation 

  1. Normal vs. Abnormal
VIII. Artifacts 
  1. Acceptable 
  2. Unacceptable 
    1. Patient origin 
    2. System origin 
  3. Troubleshooting
IX. Marking and Mounting the strip

Bibliography

Aehlart, B, ECG Made Easy 

Akhtar, M, The Electrocardiogram, (1990) The American Heart Association. 

Bello, A, Bello, B, Setup and Interpretation of the Electrocardiogram, (1996), The American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Albuquerque, NM. 

Blowers, MG, Sims, RS, How to Read an ECG, 4th edition, (1988), Medical Economics Books, Oradell, NJ.

Cohn, EG, Gilroy-Doohan, M, Flip and See ECG, (1996), W.B. Saunders, Co., Philadelphia, PA. 

Dubin, D, Rapid Interpretation of EKG's, (1989), Cover Publishing Co, Tampa, FL 

Grauer, K, A practical Guide to ECG Interpretation, Mosby Publishing, St. Louis, MO. 

Lipman, BC, Cascio, T, ECG Assessment and Interpretation,(1994), F.A. Davis, Co., D, Philadelphia, PA. 

Marquette Electronics, User's Guide to Patient Preparation - ECG, (1988), D.O. Weaver, Co., Milwaukee, WI.