Date of Learning: 19/07/2024

Time: 0900-1630

Title of learning activity: Care Delivery 2

Diary of Learning activity:

In today’s class we treated the care delivery module. In the morning session we discussed about ECG with Joicy and Jenny, and in the afternoon, we spent time with Jenny and Luke. We started on time, and we all worn our uniforms. The primary objectives of the morning session were to understand the purpose and importance of ECG in clinical settings, identify the basic components of an ECG waveform, learn the steps involved in performing an ECG, and interpret basic ECG readings while identifying common abnormalities. ECG is used to detect and monitor heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. It helps diagnose arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and other cardiac abnormalities. The key components of an ECG waveform include the P wave (atrial depolarization), the QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), the T wave (ventricular repolarization), and occasionally the U wave, which represents the late repolarization of Purkinje fibres. The process of performing an ECG involves several steps. Preparation is crucial and includes ensuring the patient is relaxed and in a supine position and cleaning the skin where electrodes will be placed to reduce interference. For electrode placement, electrodes are positioned on the limbs (RA, LA, RL, LL) and chest (V1-V6) according to standard positions. During the recording phase, the electrodes are connected to the ECG machine, the machine is set to the correct calibration, and the ECG is recorded for a sufficient duration to capture necessary data. Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm with a rate of 60-100 bpm and P waves before each QRS complex. Bradycardia is identified by a heart rate less than 60 bpm, while tachycardia is noted by a heart rate exceeding 100 bpm. Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms, with examples including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Through practical sessions, we practiced identifying normal and abnormal ECG patterns, emphasizing the importance of accurate electrode placement for reliable results. I learned to correlate clinical symptoms with specific ECG findings, enhancing my diagnostic skills and understanding of cardiac conditions. During the afternoon session, we spent time with Luke. The neurological assessment aims to evaluate the nervous system and detect any abnormalities. It helps diagnose conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and head injuries. The main components of a neurological assessment include the mental status examination, cranial nerve examination, motor function assessment, sensory function evaluation, and reflex testing. The mental status examination assesses consciousness, orientation, memory, and cognitive functions. The cranial nerve examination tests the function of all 12 cranial nerves. The motor function assessment evaluates muscle strength, tone, and coordination. The sensory function evaluation assesses sensation to touch, pain, temperature, and vibration. Reflex testing checks deep tendon reflexes and pathological reflexes, such as the Babinski sign. We practiced performing a full neurological examination on peers, identifying key signs and symptoms of neurological conditions through case studies. This reinforced the importance of a systematic approach to ensure no aspect of the assessment is overlooked. This session was very good and enhanced my understanding of ECG and neurological assessments, recognizing their importance in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions. I gained practical skills through hands-on practice and simulations.

KSB addressed: