Nursing Education and Professional Development

BA Test Preparation Instructions: Module 2

Helpful hints for VUMC Staff to successfully pass Basic Arrhythmia Module 2 Test.

	VUMC Staff: Please refer to the Basic Arrhythmia Course Manual from Clinical Orientation
	This section is not applicable for Non-VUMC Staff

Follow the steps outlined below to prepare for the Basic Arrhythmia Module 1 Test.
A passing score is 85% or higher.

Step One
Review the overall course objectives on page 2 of the Basic Arrhythmia Course Manual, which state:

1.	Describe and label the conduction system of the heart.
2.	Correlate waves and complexes of the electrocardiogram (ECG) with electrical activity of the heart.
3.	Accurately identify complexes, measure intervals, and calculate rates of select tracings.
4.	State the normal values of the PR interval and QRS width.
5.	Identify factors affecting the QT interval.
6.	Utilize the PR interval and QRS width in identifying pacemaker sites of rhythms.
7.	List the identifying features of dysrhythmias presented.
8.	Describe and identify location of conduction delays and blocks utilizing the PR interval and QRS width.
9.	Recognize and name rhythm disturbances presented in class.
10.	Identify clinical signs and symptoms indicative of decreased cardiac output resulting from arrhythmias.
11.	Identify therapeutic management for select arrhythmias as noted below.

Focus on Chapter 1 of the Basic Arrhythmia Course Manual, including completion of the practice activities on page 14 with test expectations to accurately determine:

PP interval
RR interval
Atrial rate (for both regular and irregular rhythms)
Ventricular rate (for both regular and irregular rhythms)
PR interval
QRS composition
QRS width
QT interval

Review signs and symptoms indicative of decreased cardiac output that can result from rhythm disturbances.

For Chapters 2-8, review the descriptions of each arrhythmia and LEARN the identifying features. These features are summarized on pages 64-65 of the basic arrhythmia course manual.

Step Two
Complete the review questions for each chapter. The questions are located on pages 134-146 of the Basic Arrhythmia Course Manual.

Step Three
Review the treatment of specific arrhythmias:

Sinus bradycardia
Sinus tachycardia
Junctional rhythm
Supraventricular tachycardia
Idioventricular rhythm
Asystole
Ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular fibrillation
Premature ventricular beats
Second degree block
Complete block
Pacing malfunctions (failure to capture, failure to sense)

Step Four
Work through at least 30 to 40 of the 117 practice tracings in the basic arrhythmia course manual (pages 66-111). Note that a complete key is provided for all 117 practice tracings.