Electrocardiography, or EKG, is performed using concrete and sequential steps. The skin is prepared, where V1 and V2 are identified, and V3, V4, V5, and V6 are marked (American Heart Association, 2021). Then, the electrodes for V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6 are applied to their corresponding spots (American Heart Association, 2021). The wires from the electrodes are connected to the recording device. The latter is followed by applying limb leads on the right and left upper arms as well as the lower right and left legs (American Heart Association, 2021). The limp leads are connected to the recording device to test the signal reception rate (American Heart Association, 2021). The cardiac cycle begins with the P wave indicating the atrial systole, which is followed by the QRS complex attributable to ventricular systole. The contraction is caused by depolarization during the Q wave, where the R wave shows the peak of the systolic process. The S wave is a repolarization process used to stabilize the heart muscle, and the T wave signifies ventricular repolarization.
It is important for a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) to be familiar with arrhythmias and immediately recognize life-threatening rhythms. Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be considered the most common form of arrhythmia in a primary care setting (American Heart Association, 2021). The protocol needs to correctly and accurately evaluate the diagnosis by assessing the vital signs, such as blood pressure in both arms. The following step is to conduct a 12-lead EKG within a short period of time, such as five to ten minutes. Oxygen levels, as well as blood tests, need to be measured. The key metrics alongside the examinations need to be properly analyzed to determine the most likely diagnosis for chest pain. It is critical to understand whether or not the pain is indicative of a serious health issue.
Reference
American Heart Association. (2021). 2020 handbook of Emergency cardiovascular care. American Heart Association.