Junctional Escape Rhythm — ECG Academy Lesson

Learn why junctional escape rhythms are protective, recognize their characteristics on the monitor, and understand the clinical causes and appropriate monitor tech response.

Learning Objectives

• Define "escape" in the context of cardiac pacemaker hierarchy
• Explain why a junctional escape rhythm is a protective mechanism that must not be suppressed
• List the common causes of junctional escape rhythm including SA node failure and medication effects
• Identify junctional escape rhythm on a monitor strip using rate, regularity, P wave, and QRS criteria
• Describe the appropriate monitor tech response to new-onset junctional escape rhythm