Editor’s note: Check out this month’s ECG case study and submit your treatment plan in the comments below. Get it right and you could win an EMS1 T-shirt and bottle opener. Good luck!
UPDATED: 06/07/2011 - Patient Follow-Up Posted. CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWER
This case was submitted by a faithful reader who wishes to remain anonymous.
EMS is called to a nursing home for a 71 year old female with shortness of breath.
On arrival the patient is found lying in bed with her head partially elevated.
She appears acutely ill.
Skin is pasty but warm and moist.
The patient denies chest discomfort but admits to shortness of breath.
Breath sounds: rales are auscultated bilaterally, most prominent in the lung bases
Past medical history: Epilepsy, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, CHF
Medications: Aspirin, simvistatin (Zocor), carbamazepine (Tegretol), atenolol (Tenormin), spironolactone (Aldactone)
Vital signs are assessed.
RR: 40
Pulse: 60
NIBP: 118/84
Temp: 96.8
SpO2: 98 on RA
BGL: 218
The patient is placed on the cardiac monitor.
A 12-lead ECG is captured.
What is your interpretation of these ECGs?
How would you treat this patient and why?
