The Basic ECG Interpretation module includes detailed content on cardiac physiology, ECG equipment, lead placement, dysrhythmia analysis and interpretation. It's ideal for critical care nurses, cardiac technicians or anyone working with cardiac patients. This is offered as a stand-alone module or can be combined with Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO).

Comprehensive Interactive Lessons

The Basic ECG Interpretation module includes seven lessons and takes approximately six hours to complete. The lessons provide in-depth, interactive content with rich graphics and animation that keep learners engaged. The first two lessons are used as a foundation for the remaining lessons on dysrhythmia analysis. The course provides six hours of CNE credit.

  • Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
  • ECG Interpretation Basics
  • Sinus Rhythms
  • Atrial Rhythms
  • Junctional Rhythms
  • Ventricular Rhythms
  • Heart Block Rhythms

Module Objectives

At the completion of this module, you will be able to:

  1. List the key parts of the heart and their role in the circulatory system.
  2. Describe the coronary artery circulation.
  3. List the 4 characteristics of cardiac muscle fibers.
  4. Briefly explain the nerve supply to the heart.
  5. Briefly describe depolarization and repolarization of cardiac cells.
  6. State the normal conduction flow of the heart.
  7. State the equipment needed for ECG monitoring.
  8. Identify proper ECG lead placement for a 5-lead system.
  9. Define the meaning of retrograde and antegrade conduction.
  10. Identify the timing and voltage criteria for the ECG graph paper.
  11. Define the ECG isoelectric line.
  12. Name the components of a normal ECG complex.
  13. Correctly identify and measure the PR, PRS, and QT intervals.
  14. Correlate each component of the ECG complex with the cardiac contraction
  15. Measure the atrial rate (AR) and ventricular rate (VR) by 2 methods.
  16. Describe the difference between regular and irregular rhythms.
  17. Identify the site in the conduction system where the sinus rhythms originate.
  18. List the intrinsic rate of the SA node.
  19. State the ECG criteria for normal sinus rhythm.
  20. State the ECG criteria for sinus rhythm.
  21. Differentiate between normal sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia and sinus arrhythmia.
  22. Define the ECG characteristics for interventricular conduction defect.
  23. Identify the ECG characteristics for 1st degree AV block.
  24. Describe the differences between sinus pause, sinus exit block, and sinus arrest.
  25. Define atrial ectopy.
  26. Define supraventricular and identify the criteria for a supraventricular rhythm
  27. List the criteria for a premature atrial contraction and correctly identify on an ECG rhythm recording strip.
  28. Identify blocked premature atrial contraction on an ECG rhythm recording strip.
  29. List the criteria for atrial fibrillation and correctly identify on an ECG rhythm recording strip.
  30. Identify the site in the conduction system where the junctional rhythms originate.
  31. List the intrinsic rate of the AV junction.
  32. Identify the ECG criteria for and accurately identify junctional rhythm on a rhythm strip recording.
  33. Define and state the significance of a junctional escape rhythm or beats.
  34. Identify the 3 potential locations on the ECG complex for the P wave in junctional rhythm.
  35. State the ECG criteria for and accurately identify accelerated junctional rhythm on a rhythm strip recording.
  36. State the ECG criteria for and accurately identify junctional tachycardia on a rhythm strip recording.
  37. State the ECG criteria for and accurately identify premature junctional contraction on a rhythm strip recording.
  38. Describe the morphology of a QRS complex initiated in the ventricular.
  39. Identify the site in the conduction system where the ventricular rhythms originate.
  40. Identify the ECG criteria for and correctly idioventricular rhythm.
  41. Identify the ECG criteria for and correctly identify Accelerated Idioventricular.
  42. Describe the difference between a ventricular dysrhythmia and an intraventricular conduction defect.
  43. Identify the ECG criteria for and correctly identify a Ventricular Escape Beat.
  44. Describe and correctly identify ECG criteria on a rhythm strip recording of First Degree Heart Block.
  45. Describe and correctly identify ECG criteria on a rhythm strip recording of Second Degree Heart Block type I, Mobitz I or Wenckebach.
  46. Describe and correctly identify ECG criteria on a rhythm strip recording of Second Degree Heart Block type II or Mobitz II.
  47. Describe and correctly identify ECG criteria on a rhythm strip recording of Complete or Third Degree Heart Block.
  48. State the primary indication for insertion of a temporary transvenous cardiac pacemaker.

Sample Slides


















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