Vectors and the Basic Beat
Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:
- Describe the concept of a vector. (p 49)
- Discuss how the orientation of vectors in three-dimensional space can add up to create larger vectors. (p 49)
- Apply the concept of vector movements to and from surface electrodes to create waves on an ECG or rhythm strip. (pp 49–50)
- Discuss the concept of lead placement and then apply that knowledge to calculate the orientation of vectors in the heart based on the waves on an ECG. (pp 50, 51)
- List the leads that compose the hexaxial system. (p 52)
- List the leads that compose the precordial system. (pp 52, 53)
- Clearly identify the baseline of an ECG strip and any elevations or depressions associated with the various segments. (pp 53–54, 57, 61)
- Identify the various waves and intervals of an ECG complex. (pp 53–60)
- List the criteria used to differentiate abnormal Q waves from normal Q waves. (p 56)
- Describe the formation of a T wave by the orientation of the depolarization and repolarization waves as they relate to an overlying electrode. (pp 58–59)
- Differentiate between the QT interval and the QTc interval. (pp 59–60)
- Calculate the P-P and R-R intervals on a rhythm strip or ECG. (p 60)
