Telemetry Course for Nurses

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Conduction System Overview

Traces the electrical pathway from SA node to Purkinje fibers. Links each conduction structure to its corresponding waveform component.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Cell Electrophysiology

Explains action potentials, depolarization, and repolarization at the cellular level. Provides the physiological rationale for waveform shapes and intervals.

Lesson 3 • Hemodynamic Correlation with Electrical Events

Connects electrical conduction events to mechanical contraction and cardiac output. Prepares nurses to recognize when electrical changes affect perfusion.

Lesson 1 • Artifact Recognition and Troubleshooting

Identifies common sources of artifact and distinguishes them from true dysrhythmias. Systematic troubleshooting prevents misinterpretation and unnecessary interventions.

Lesson 2 • Lead Systems and Configurations

Explains standard 3-lead, 5-lead, and 12-lead configurations and their clinical uses. Nurses select the appropriate lead to optimize waveform visibility.

Lesson 3 • Alarm Management and Safety Standards

Covers alarm parameter setting, fatigue prevention, and response protocols. Proper alarm management is a patient safety priority in monitored units.

Lesson 4 • Electrode Placement and Skin Preparation

Details proper skin prep and electrode positioning for optimal signal quality. Correct placement directly determines tracing accuracy and alarm reliability.

Lesson 1 • Sinus Rhythm Variants

Covers sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, and sinus pause. Distinguishes physiological variants from pathological findings.

Lesson 2 • Normal Waveform Components

Defines P wave, QRS complex, T wave, and U wave morphology and normal values. Each component is linked to its corresponding conduction event.

Lesson 3 • Normal Sinus Rhythm Criteria

Establishes the five criteria defining normal sinus rhythm as the interpretive baseline. All subsequent rhythms are evaluated against this standard.

Lesson 1 • Wandering Atrial Pacemaker and MAT

Distinguishes wandering atrial pacemaker from multifocal atrial tachycardia by rate and P wave variability. Links both rhythms to underlying pulmonary and metabolic conditions.

Lesson 2 • Atrial Fibrillation Recognition and Care

Identifies irregularly irregular rhythm, absent P waves, and fibrillatory baseline. Covers stroke risk stratification and priority nursing interventions.

Lesson 3 • Atrial Flutter Recognition and Care

Defines sawtooth flutter waves, variable conduction ratios, and ventricular rate calculation. Nurses recognize thromboembolic risk and anticoagulation implications.

Lesson 4 • Premature Atrial Contractions

Identifies PAC morphology, compensatory pause patterns, and clinical significance. Establishes the concept of ectopic atrial foci as a foundation for complex atrial rhythms.

Lesson 1 • Ventricular Fibrillation and Asystole

Identifies chaotic VF waveform and flat-line asystole as non-perfusing rhythms requiring immediate action. Nurses initiate CPR and defibrillation protocols without delay.

Lesson 2 • Ventricular Tachycardia Recognition

Distinguishes monomorphic and polymorphic VT, including torsades de pointes. Nurses differentiate stable from unstable VT to determine the urgency of intervention.

Lesson 3 • Premature Ventricular Contractions

Covers PVC morphology, unifocal vs. multifocal patterns, and dangerous configurations. Nurses assess frequency, symptoms, and hemodynamic impact to guide reporting.

Lesson 4 • Pulseless Electrical Activity

Defines PEA as organized electrical activity without a palpable pulse and identifies reversible causes. Nurses apply the H's and T's framework during resuscitation.

Lesson 1 • Third-Degree Complete Heart Block

Identifies complete AV dissociation with independent atrial and ventricular rates. Nurses recognize this as a pacemaker-dependent emergency requiring immediate escalation.

Lesson 2 • First-Degree AV Block

Identifies prolonged PR interval as the sole finding and its benign but monitored status. Establishes the baseline for comparing progressive AV block degrees.

Lesson 3 • Bundle Branch Blocks

Covers RBBB and LBBB morphology criteria and their clinical associations. Nurses identify new-onset BBB as a potential sign of acute myocardial injury.

Lesson 4 • Hemiblocks and Bifascicular Blocks

Explains left anterior and posterior hemiblocks and their axis deviation patterns. Bifascicular block combinations increase risk of complete block and require close monitoring.

Lesson 1 • Serial ECG Monitoring and STEMI Activation

Establishes protocols for serial ECG acquisition and STEMI alert activation timelines. Nurses understand their role in door-to-balloon time reduction.

Lesson 2 • Ischemia, Injury, and Infarction Patterns

Defines ST depression for ischemia, ST elevation for injury, and Q waves for infarction. Nurses recognize the progression from ischemia to completed infarction on serial ECGs.

Lesson 3 • Coronary Territory Localization

Maps lead groupings to LAD, RCA, and circumflex coronary territories. Localization guides provider communication and anticipates complications by vessel.

Lesson 4 • Systematic 12-Lead Interpretation Method

Introduces a consistent step-by-step approach to reading all 12 leads without omission. A structured method reduces interpretation errors in high-pressure clinical situations.

Lesson 1 • Interpreting Paced Rhythms on Telemetry

Identifies atrial, ventricular, and dual-chamber paced complexes by spike location and morphology. Nurses confirm capture and sensing for each paced beat.

Lesson 2 • Pacemaker Fundamentals and Indications

Reviews temporary and permanent pacemaker types, modes, and clinical indications. Establishes the vocabulary needed to interpret paced rhythms on telemetry.

Lesson 3 • Pacemaker Malfunction Recognition

Covers failure to pace, failure to capture, and failure to sense as the three primary malfunctions. Nurses recognize each pattern and respond with appropriate urgency.

Lesson 4 • Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Explains ICD detection zones, therapy delivery, and post-shock monitoring priorities. Nurses manage patient anxiety, document shocks, and assess for appropriate vs. inappropriate therapy.