Understanding EKG Basics

What is the primary purpose of learning EKG interpretation in patient care?

• To perform surgeries

• To prescribe medications

• To diagnose current heart and lung issues

• To predict future heart conditions

What does the P wave in an EKG represent?

• Atrial repolarization

• Atrial contraction

• Ventricular contraction

• Ventricular repolarization

What might a taller P wave indicate in an EKG reading?

• Left atrial enlargement

• Right atrial enlargement

• Conduction delay

• Ventricular hypertrophy

In which leads are normal P waves typically upright?

• Leads I and II

• Leads V5 and V6

• Lead AVR

• Leads V1 and V2

What does a QRS complex primarily represent?

• Atrial depolarization

• Atrial repolarization

• Ventricular repolarization

• Ventricular depolarization

Which leads are best to observe the progression of the R wave in a QRS complex?

• Leads V1 through V6

• Leads V3 and V4 only

• Leads I and II

• Lead AVR

What does an extended QRS duration typically indicate?

• Atrial enlargement

• Ventricular enlargement

• Interventricular conduction delay

• Rapid heart rate

What is the significance of the ST segment in an EKG?

• It marks the end of ventricular contraction

• It indicates atrial repolarization

• It shows atrial contraction

• It represents ventricular depolarization

What does the T wave signify in an EKG?

• Ventricular contraction

• Ventricular repolarization

• Atrial repolarization

• Atrial contraction

What could be inferred from an inverted T wave in an EKG?

• Normal cardiac function

• Potential heart ischemia

• Enhanced ventricular activity

• Atrial enlargement