Introduction to Basic Cardiac Dysrhythmias

Written in a clear, easy-to-understand style, this book explains basic cardiac dysrhythmias in a logical sequence with simple medical terms, tracing the normal conduction pathway of the heart from the atria to the ventricles. All basic information is covered--from cardiac anatomy to reading ECG strips and identifying rhythms. Case studies, flash cards, crossword puzzles, word-find puzzles, and dysrhythmia practice strips make learning to read electrocardiograms fun and easy!

• Medical terminology is introduced using simple definitions and explanations
• Clear, simple, illustrations highlight important details.
• Review questions and rhythm strips at the end of chapters 1-7 provide an excellent step-by-step evaluation before continuing to more complex information.
• Crossword and word puzzles throughout the book make information easy to learn and remember.
• Chapter 8 reviews 40 dysrhythmias discussed in the text with sample strips and criteria for identification, providing a complete, one-stop review.
• 200 additional rhythm strips in chapter 10 reinforce learning with even more opportunities for practice.
• An entire chapter (chapter 9) is dedicated to the treatment of dysrhythmias, reflected in the most current emergency cardiovascular care guidelines.
• Chapter 11 features 22 case studies allows readers to apply their new knowledge of dysrhythmias, rhythm interpretation, symptoms, and treatment of real-life situations.
• An expanded glossary and abbreviation list facilitates an understanding of medical terminology.
• Coverage of basic anatomy as well as components of monitoring and interpretation of rhythm strips helps the reader understand how the heart functions, how to monitor it, and how to interpret results.
• Clear explanations of basic cardiac dysrhythmias help the reader understand what is happening in the heart's electrical conduction system to cause the appearance of the dysrhythmia.
• Information on current cardiac adjunct therapies includes discussions of pacemakers, Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators, and Automated External Defibrillators.
• Chapter objectives and chapter outlines, along with key definitions, help readers quickly locate topics of interest and easily review information for study.

• All chapters have been updated for accuracy and compliance with the latest emergency cardiovascular care guidelines to ensure that this resource provides the most accurate, relevant information available.
• Coverage of AED/AICD includes essential information on automatic defibrillators.
• Additional study tools, such as crossword puzzles and vocabulary word-finds, make the learning process fun and the information more memorable.
• 31 medication flash cards, in addition to 32 popular rhythm strip flash cards, enable readers to study the most commonly administered drugs in a fun and convenient flash card format.
• Updated practice rhythm strips and case studies address new material presented in the book.
• Applicable ACLS algorithms are included in this edition to help readers see the "big picture" in patient treatment and care.
• An enhanced two-color design makes it easy to follow topics and locate key information.
• Key terms have been added to the beginning of every chapter to improve reading comprehension.