Interpreting Basic Cardiac Dysrhythmias Without Heartache is a step by step guide on interpreting basic electrocardiogram (EKG) readings in adults. Students benefit from first understanding normal sinus rhythm, as well as basic dysrhythmias, and then applying this understanding to rhythms that are more advanced and difficult.

The book discusses the conduction system of the heart and the purpose of the electrocardiogram. Students learn how to read EKG waveforms and interpret rates and pacing. The book also addresses sinus and atrial dysrhythmias, atrial-ventricular blocks, and ventricular dysrhythmias. Each section of the text includes quizzes that students can use to check their comprehension and progress. Physiology and pathophysiology as they pertain to each dysrhythmia are also addressed, as are common interventions and medications.

Clear and concise, Interpreting Basic Cardiac Dysrhythmias Without Heartache is an ideal teaching tool for students in all levels of nursing programs as well as for practicing nurses needing to refresh their knowledge. The practical applicability of the information also makes this a useful guide for paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Cheryl Miller is a registered nurse who earned both her M.S.N. and her Ed.D. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Miller is a professor of nursing at Chattanooga State Community College where she teaches medical-surgical nursing specializing in critical care, serves as the chair of the nursing program effectiveness committee, and as liaison with area hospitals for student clinical placement. She is a past recipient of the Chattanooga State Teaching Excellence Award, and the author of Interpreting Arterial Blood Gases: The Easy Way and The Nurse's Guide to Labs: A Quick and Easy Resource.