Calculate the heart rate for this ECG strip using the 1500 method.
Estimate the heart rate for this ECG strip.
When you start to perform an ECG on a patient, you notice a red line along the bottom of the ECG paper. What should you do?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
1. Calculate the heart rate using the 1500 method for the first ECG strip:
The 1500 method calculates the heart rate by counting the number of small boxes between two consecutive R waves (RR interval) on an ECG and using the formula:
[
\text{Heart Rate (bpm)} = \frac{1500}{\text{Number of small boxes between R waves}}
]
From the first ECG strip:
- Count the number of small boxes between two R waves (e.g., 25 small boxes).
- Apply the formula:
[
\text{Heart Rate} = \frac{1500}{25} = 60 \, \text{bpm}.
]
2. Estimate the heart rate for the second ECG strip:
For estimation, the 6-second method is often used:
- Count the number of R waves in a 6-second strip (usually marked by three large marks or 30 large boxes).
- Multiply this number by 10.
From the second ECG strip:
- Count the R waves (e.g., 7 R waves).
- Multiply by 10:
[
\text{Estimated Heart Rate} = 7 \times 10 = 70 \, \text{bpm}.
]
3. Observing a red line along the bottom of the ECG paper:
Correct Answer: The red line indicates the ECG paper is running low. You should replace the paper immediately to avoid running out during the procedure.
Explanation:
Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines use specially calibrated thermal paper to record electrical activity from the heart. The red line at the bottom of the ECG paper is a warning signal that the paper supply is near depletion. Continuing to perform an ECG without replacing the paper risks running out entirely, which could disrupt the test and compromise the recording quality or completeness.
To address this:
- Inform the patient about a brief delay.
- Turn off the ECG machine to conserve resources and avoid errors.
- Open the paper compartment, carefully replace the depleted roll with a new one, and ensure proper alignment.
- Test the machine briefly to confirm the new paper is feeding correctly.
Promptly replacing the paper ensures a smooth ECG procedure, avoids inconvenience to the patient, and prevents incomplete diagnostics. Always check paper supplies before starting multiple ECGs.