ECG/EKG Practice Quiz (Identify Rhythms) - Free Printable

Problem Description:

The image shows four ECG (electrocardiogram) tracings labeled as "Rhythm 1," "Rhythm 2," "Rhythm 3," and "Rhythm 4." The task is to analyze these ECG tracings and identify the type of rhythm present in each one. ECG analysis involves examining the P waves, QRS complexes, T waves, and the overall pattern of the heart's electrical activity.

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Solution:

#### Step 1: Analyze Rhythm 1
- Observations:
- Regular rhythm.
- Presence of distinct P waves before each QRS complex.
- Normal PR interval (time between P wave and QRS complex).
- Normal QRS duration.
- Normal T waves following each QRS complex.
- Conclusion: This is a sinus rhythm, which is the normal cardiac rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node.

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#### Step 2: Analyze Rhythm 2
- Observations:
- Regular rhythm.
- Absence of P waves.
- Wide QRS complexes.
- No discernible atrial activity.
- Conclusion: This is ventricular tachycardia (VT). The absence of P waves and the wide QRS complexes suggest that the rhythm originates from the ventricles rather than the atria or AV node.

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#### Step 3: Analyze Rhythm 3
- Observations:
- Irregular rhythm.
- Presence of P waves, but they are not consistently followed by QRS complexes.
- Some P waves are "dropped" (not conducted to the ventricles).
- Normal QRS duration for conducted beats.
- Conclusion: This is atrioventricular (AV) block. The irregularity and dropped P waves indicate that not all atrial impulses are being conducted to the ventricles, leading to a block in the AV node or bundle of His.

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#### Step 4: Analyze Rhythm 4
- Observations:
- Regular rhythm.
- Absence of P waves.
- Narrow QRS complexes.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Conclusion: This is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The absence of P waves and narrow QRS complexes suggest that the rhythm originates above the ventricles (e.g., atria or AV node), and the rapid rate indicates tachycardia.

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Final Answer:

- Rhythm 1: Sinus rhythm
- Rhythm 2: Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Rhythm 3: Atrioventricular (AV) block
- Rhythm 4: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

$$
\boxed{\text{Sinus rhythm, Ventricular tachycardia, AV block, Supraventricular tachycardia}}
$$