AN OVERVIEW OF PACEMAKERS


Why is a pacemaker implanted?
Pacemaker implantation may be done for different reasons. Any damage to the heart muscle or the electrical conduction which will interfere with the ability of the heart to function normally may be indications for a pacemaker. Sick sinus syndrome (though rare) or myocardial infarction are examples.

What are some symptoms of a dysfunctionl natural pacemaker?
Patients who have dysfunction of their own natural pacemaker may experience dizziness, syncopal episodes (temporary loss of consciousness), chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a decrease in blood pressure (hypotension).

Why do these symptoms occur?
These symptoms are due to a lack of blood flow to the body's organs.

Notes for Nurses:
- See the sample of an EKG above showing a pacemaker lead (wire) in the ventricle. There is normally a spike in front of the QRS. The spike may not appear if the pacemaker malfunctions.
- Spikes in front of P and QRS means both chambers are paced. Learn more about :
Chest pain assessment and EKG quiz
Enjoy the videos:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario : Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  pain in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
                       Chest pain assessment Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints : If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninv...
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                                      tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                              ...
Read more