See the four major AV blocks side by side - then compare the rhythm strips that distinguish them.

Heart blocks are easier to remember when the learner can compare the relationship between P waves, PR intervals, and QRS complexes in one place. Zombie Notes Bradycardia is a two-page visual study chart focused on first-degree AV block, second-degree Type I, second-degree Type II, and third-degree complete heart block. The first page reduces each rhythm to its defining pattern; the second page shows corresponding ECG strips so the learner can connect the written rule with the visual rhythm.

About This Study Chart

This is one of the most focused Zombie Notes charts. Rather than trying to cover every cause and treatment of bradycardia, it concentrates on the recognition problem that often gives students trouble: how to tell the major heart blocks apart. The chart uses repeated comparisons of P waves, QRS complexes, and PR relationships to make the differences visible.

On page one, the four blocks are presented in a four-quadrant layout. First degree emphasizes a prolonged but constant PR interval. Second-degree Type I is organized around progressive PR lengthening followed by a dropped QRS. Second-degree Type II emphasizes dropped ventricular conduction with a constant PR relationship when conduction occurs. Third degree is presented as AV dissociation with no consistent relationship between atrial and ventricular activity. Page two reinforces those rules with full rhythm strips.

What You’ll Find Inside

• First-degree AV block: A concise recognition rule centered on the prolonged, constant PR interval.
• Second-degree Type I: Wenckebach / Mobitz I is presented through the progressively lengthening PR pattern followed by a dropped QRS.
• Second-degree Type II: Mobitz II is contrasted with Type I by focusing on dropped conduction and the constant PR relationship when a QRS is present.
• Third-degree AV block: Complete heart block / AV dissociation is organized around the lack of a consistent P-to-QRS relationship.
• Side-by-side comparison: The four-quadrant first page makes similarities and differences easier to compare without flipping between references.
• ECG rhythm-strip reinforcement: The second page places labeled rhythm strips for all four blocks together, connecting the memorization rules to visual recognition.

Who It Helps

• Nursing students learning ECG rhythm recognition.
• ACLS students reviewing bradycardia and heart blocks.
• Telemetry, emergency, critical-care, and other clinicians refreshing heart-block patterns.
• Learners who understand rhythm concepts better through visual comparison than through long text explanations.

How Zombie Notes Work

Start with the four written recognition rules on page one. Cover the descriptions and try to explain what happens to the P waves, QRS complexes, and PR interval in each block. Then turn to the rhythm strips on page two and identify each rhythm from the tracing before checking the label.

The chart works best as a recognition drill. Repeatedly moving from rule to strip and strip back to rule helps transform a memorized definition into a visual pattern. For a broader foundation in rhythm interpretation, pair it with Zombie Notes ECG Basics and ECG Terminology.

Continuously Updated for Ongoing Review

The Zombie Notes series is continuously updated with the latest guidelines and research. Because rhythm interpretation and treatment recommendations belong in a larger clinical context, use this chart for recognition review and verify clinically actionable decisions against current authoritative sources.

About the Authors

Michele G. Kunz, MSN, ANP, RN, is a nurse practitioner, healthcare educator, and author whose teaching focuses on making complex clinical material easier to organize, review, and remember. Her Zombie Notes Study Charts use concise explanations, visual structure, and repeated high-yield relationships to support students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as they study certification and clinical-review material.

Joseph C. Kunz, Jr., is a writer, publisher, and co-creator of the Zombie Notes Study Charts. Through The Mindful Nurse Press, he works alongside Michele to turn complex clinical material into clear, well-organized study tools, handling the design, production, and publishing that bring each chart to healthcare students and professionals.

Product Details

• Title: Bradycardia & Heart Blocks
• Series: Zombie Notes Study Charts
• Subtitle: A Test Prep Guide for Healthcare Professionals and Students
• Authors: Michele G. Kunz, MSN, ANP, RN
• Publisher: Dickson Keanaghan, LLC
• Imprint: The Mindful Nurse Press
• Publication Date: 2026
• Format: Ebook / Digital Study Guide
• Print Edition: None — Ebook Only
• Ebook ISBN: 979-8-90706-018-0
• Language: English

Educational Note

This study chart is intended for education and review. It is not a substitute for professional training, clinical judgment, institutional policy, local protocols, medical direction, or current authoritative references. Because terminology, treatment standards, and resuscitation guidance can change, readers should verify clinically actionable information before applying it in practice.