EKG Basics

The nurse is assessing the client’s electrocardiography (ECG). What does the P wave on the ECG tracing represent?

• Depolarization of the septum

• Repolarization of the atria

• Depolarization of the atria

• Repolarization of the ventricles

The nurse is reviewing a patient’s electrocardiogram. Which wave should the nurse recognize as being the first positive wave in a normal cardiac cycle?

• P wave

• Q wave

• R wave

• S wave

A patient is experiencing electrocardiogram changes. Which wave should the nurse recognize as representing ventricular repolarization?

• Q wave

• R wave

• S wave

• T wave

A patient is admitted for diagnosis of an electrocardiogram abnormality. Which wave should the nurse plan care based upon changes in the patient’s ventricular depolarization?

• P wave

• QRS complex

• U wave

• T wave

After reviewing an electrocardiogram the nurse determines that an electrical impulse originated in a patient’s the sinoatrial node. What did the nurse see on this tracing?

• An upright T wave

• An inverted T wave

• A positive P wave before a QRS complex

• A negative P wave before a QRS complex

The nurse is reviewing cardiac anatomy with a patient scheduled for pacemaker insertion. Where should the nurse identify the location of the S.A. Node for the patient?

• Left atrium

• Right atrium

• Left ventricle

• Right ventricle

The nurse is analyzing a client’s electrocardiogram tracing. Which of the following complexes is not normally seen on an electrocardiogram tracing?

• P wave

• QRS complex

• T wave

• U wave