EKG Interpretation Basics

What does EKG stand for?

What is the role of the electrical conduction system in the heart?

• To pump blood throughout the body

• To increase blood pressure

• To filter blood in the kidneys

• To produce red blood cells

What is the function of the SA node?

• To cause atrial depolarization

• To cause ventricular depolarization

• To lower blood pressure

• To regulate blood flow in the lungs

What does the PR interval represent?

• The time it takes for the electrical signal to go from the atria to the AV node

• The time it takes for the ventricles to contract and relax

• The time it takes for the atria to empty into the ventricles

• The time it takes for the SA node to fire

What does the QRS complex represent?

• Ventricular depolarization

• Atrial depolarization

• Ventricular repolarization

• Atrial repolarization

What should the ST segment look like?

• Flat and isoelectric

• Elevated

• Depressed

• Irregular

What does the T wave represent?

• Ventricular repolarization

• Atrial repolarization

• Ventricular depolarization

• Atrial depolarization

What is the normal measurement range for the QT interval?

• 0.35 to 0.44 seconds

• 0.12 to 0.20 seconds

• Less than 0.12 seconds

• More than 0.20 seconds

How many squares should the P wave measure?

• Less than 3 squares

• 3 to 5 squares

• More than 5 squares

• Exactly 1 square

What does a prolonged PR interval indicate?

• Heart block

• Ventricular dysrhythmia

• Atrial fibrillation

• Low potassium level