EKG Interpretation Concepts

What is the primary purpose of learning EKG interpretation?

• To diagnose skin conditions

• To memorize all the waves

• To understand the heart's electrical activity

• To measure blood pressure

What does the P wave represent in an EKG?

• Electrical reset of the heart

• End of ventricular contraction

• Atrial contraction

• Ventricular contraction

In which leads should normal P waves be upright?

• Leads I, II, and aVF

• Leads I, II, and aVL

• Leads I, II, and III

• Leads I, II, and aVR

What is indicated by a taller P wave?

• Myocardial infarction

• Ventricular hypertrophy

• Right atrial enlargement

• Left atrial enlargement

Which component of the QRS complex is always a positive deflection?

• T wave

• S wave

• R wave

• Q wave

In which precordial leads is the R wave and S wave about equivalent?

• V5 and V6

• V1 and V2

• V1 and V6

• V3 and V4

What is the normal duration of a QRS complex?

• Less than 80 milliseconds

• Less than 100 milliseconds

• Less than 140 milliseconds

• Less than 120 milliseconds

What does the ST segment represent?

• Atrial contraction

• Ventricular depolarization

• End of ventricular contraction and start of repolarization

• Electrical reset of the heart

What is the T wave responsible for in the cardiac cycle?

• Atrial contraction

• Electrical reset of the heart

• Ventricular depolarization

• End of ventricular contraction

How can you differentiate between an electrical and a plumbing problem in the heart?

• By observing physical symptoms

• By measuring heart rate

• By analyzing the EKG waves

• By checking blood pressure