Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation Education Poster Project
For this project, you will create a professional, patient-safety-focused educational poster on a selected cardiac rhythm or cardiac emergency. The poster must demonstrate your understanding of cardiac electrophysiology, rhythm interpretation, and priority nursing actions.
Step 1: Choose ONE Topic
Select one of the following cardiac rhythms or conditions:
Rhythm Options
- Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib)
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT – with/without pulse)
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
- 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree AV Block
- Bundle Branch Blocks (LBBB or RBBB)
Cardiac Emergency Option
STEMI vs NSTEMI (side-by-side comparison)
Step 2: Poster Requirements
Your poster must include all of the following sections clearly labeled:
1. Pathophysiology (What’s happening electrically?)
Explain:
- The electrical conduction issue causing the rhythm
- What is happening in the atria, AV node, or ventricles
- Impact on cardiac output and perfusion
- What makes this dangerous for the patient
Use visuals or simplified drawings when possible.
2. Rhythm Strip Example
Include:
- At least one high-quality, labeled ECG strip
- Labels for P-wave, PR interval, QRS, QT, R-R pattern, etc. as relevant
- Brief interpretation notes (rate, regular/irregular, waveform findings)
3. ECG Findings/Key Characteristics
List diagnostic identifiers, such as:
- Atrial/ventricular rate
- Regularity
- P-wave presence/absence
- PR interval abnormalities
- QRS width
- Hallmark features (e.g., sawtooth waves, chaotic baseline, wide complex)
This is the “how to recognize it in real time” section.
4. Labs (if applicable)
Only include labs if your rhythm/condition uses them:
Troponins (STEMI/NSTEMI)
- Electrolytes (esp. K+, Mg+)
- TSH (for Afib if thyroid-related)
- ABGs (if related to hypoxia-induced arrhythmias)
5. Priority Interventions
Include nurse-driven and provider-driven interventions, such as:
- What to assess first (LOC, perfusion, BP, symptoms)
- What equipment to prepare (pads, suction, crash cart)
- Medication management (amiodarone, adenosine, beta blockers, etc.)
- Emergency actions (cardioversion, defibrillation, CPR)
- When to call a rapid response or code
This section must emphasize safe practice and rapid recognition.
6. Reperfusion Goals (if applicable)
For STEMI vs NSTEMI ONLY:
- Time-to-ECG (≤10 minutes)
- Door-to-balloon (≤90 minutes)
- Door-to-needle (≤30 minutes for thrombolytics)
- Troponin trends
- PCI vs medical management
Poster Format Requirements
Your poster must be:
- 1 page (PowerPoint slide, Canva poster, or PDF)
- Professional, visually appealing, readable at a distance
- Use of color-coding, icons, charts, or visuals encouraged
- Minimum 18-point font
- Limited text—use bullet points
- Organized in logical sections
Source Requirements
- Minimum 2 scholarly sources (within 5–7 years)
- APA 7th edition reference list in small text at the bottom
- Sources may include:
✓ Cardiac texts
✓ ACLS guidelines
✓ UpToDate
✓ AHA resources
Submission
Submit the following:
- Final poster (PDF or PPT)
- Reference list (APA) if not included on poster
Cardiac Rhythm Poster Project
Cardiac Rhythm Poster Project | ||
Criteria | Ratings | Points |
Pathophysiology Explanation | Exemplary Clear, accurate description of electrical conduction 10 pts Proficient Adequate explanation with some missing detail or unclear 7 pts Developing Minimal, vague, or inaccurate pathophysiology. 4 pts | /10 pts |
ECG Strip Example & Interpretation | Exemplary High-quality, labeled strip with accurate interpretation 10 pts Proficient Strip included and mostly accurate; labeling or 7 pts Developing Strip missing, poorly labeled, or inaccurate. 4 pts | /10 pts |
ECG Findings & Key Characteristics | Exemplary All hallmark rhythm features clearly listed (rate, 10 pts Proficient Most features included; some missing information. 7 pts Developing Incomplete or inaccurate rhythm characteristics. 4 pts | /10 pts |
Priority Interventions & Reperfusion Goals | Exemplary Accurate, high-priority nursing interventions; includes 10 pts Proficient Interventions generally correct but lacking detail or 7 pts Developing Incorrect, incomplete, or unclear interventions. 4 pts | /10 pts |
Poster Quality, Organization & Sources | Exemplary Visually professional, well-organized, readable at a 10 pts Proficient Mostly clear and organized; minor formatting or APA 7 pts Developing Cluttered, disorganized, or missing/incorrect sources. 4 pts | |