A patient is placed on continuous cardiac monitoring. What should the nurse realize is occurring when the rhythm displays a flat, isoelectric line?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Polarization is the electrical state that exists at the cardiac cell membrane when the cell is at rest. In this state, no electrical activity is occurring, and the ECG displays a flat, isoelectric line.
2. Depolarization is the opposite of polarization and occurs when there is a reversal of the electrical charges at the cell membrane. The inside of the cell becomes more positive due to the rapid influx of sodium ions into the cell. On the ECG, the P wave represents atrial depolarization and the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
3. Repolarization is the restoration of the polarized state at the cell membrane. On the ECG, the ST segment and the T wave represent ventricular repolarization.
4. The absolute refractory period is the brief period during depolarization when the cells will not respond to further stimulation, no matter how strong the stimulus. This period corresponds with the onset of the QRS complex to the peak of the T wave.

A Patient Is Placed on Continuous Cardiac Monitoring