What does couplet heart monitor mean?

Ventricular couplets are defined as two PVCs in a row, as shown in Figure 5. There is often a compensatory pause after the second premature beat. The two premature beats may have an identical morphology (unifocal couplet), or their morphology may differ (multifocal couplet).

What are the lethal EKG rhythms?

You will need to be able to recognize the four lethal rhythms. Asystole, Ventricle Tachycardia (VT), Ventricle Fibrillation (VF), and Polymorphic Ventricle Tachycardia (Torsade de pointes).

What do PVCs look like on EKG?

PVCs have a characteristic wide and bizarre QRS (usually greater than 0.12 seconds) on the ECG. There is no associated P-wave, and the T-wave records in the opposite direction from the QRS. Most PVCs are followed by a pause until the next normal impulse originates in the SA node.

What causes VPCs?

​VPCs and VT can be caused by one or more disease processes including cardiac disease, abnormal serum levels of calcium or potassium, splenic or gastrointestinal diseases. Ventricular arrhythmias can lead to hypotension, destruction of cardiac muscle tissue and sudden death.

What does couplet mean in medical terms?

(kŭp’lĕt) A series of two consecutive premature ventricular contractions.

What are the 5 fatal heart rhythms?

You will learn about Premature Ventricular Contractions, Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation, Pulseless Electrical Activity, Agonal Rhythms, and Asystole. You will learn how to detect the warning signs of these rhythms, how to quickly interpret the rhythm, and to prioritize your nursing interventions.

How is VPC treated?

Lifestyle changes. Eliminating common PVC triggers — such as caffeine or tobacco — can decrease the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Medications. Beta blockers — which are often used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease — can suppress premature contractions.