anatomy
What does the P wave on an ECG represent?
Atrial repolarization
Which component of the ECG reflects the time taken for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles?
PR interval
A patient has a heart rate of 150 bpm. The ECG shows narrow QRS complexes and regular rhythm. What is the likely rhythm?
Sinus tachycardia
On ECG, which of the following findings would you expect in a patient with hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
A 65-year-old male presents with chest pain. His ECG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most appropriate immediate nursing intervention?
Notify the physician and prepare for reperfusion therapy
Which lead is most commonly used for continuous cardiac monitoring?
Lead II
A nurse notices a saw-tooth baseline on the ECG with a regular rhythm. What rhythm is this likely?
Atrial flutter
Which of the following is a characteristic of normal sinus rhythm (NSR)?
P wave before every QRS, regular rhythm
Which ECG change is most commonly associated with early hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
Which finding on ECG indicates acute pericarditis?
PR segment depression and diffuse ST elevation
What does the QRS complex represent?
Ventricular depolarization
Your patient’s ECG shows a heart rate of 35 bpm with wide QRS complexes and dissociation between P waves and QRS complexes. What rhythm is this?
Third-degree AV block
The ECG shows a regular rhythm with a “saw-tooth” baseline pattern. What rhythm is this?
Atrial flutter
A patient with hypokalemia is likely to show which ECG finding?
U waves and flattened T waves
An ECG shows wide QRS complexes at a rate of 160 bpm with no visible P waves. What is the most likely rhythm?
Ventricular tachycardia
What is the normal duration of the QRS complex?
. 0.06 to 0.10 seconds
Your patient’s ECG shows a heart rate of 35 bpm with wide QRS complexes and dissociation between P waves and QRS complexes. What rhythm is this?
Third-degree AV block
Which feature is most indicative of atrial fibrillation?
No discernible P waves and irregularly irregular rhythm
What ECG finding is commonly seen in hypocalcemia?
Prolonged QT interval
Your patient’s ECG shows frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). What is the most appropriate nursing action?
Monitor potassium and oxygenation
What does a prolonged QT interval suggest?
Risk of ventricular arrhythmia
An ECG strip shows the following features:
Irregularly irregular rhythm
Absence of P waves
Narrow QRS complexes
Ventricular rate of 130 bpm What is the most likely interpretation?
Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
An ECG shows a regular P–P interval and a regular R–R interval, but the P waves and QRS complexes are not related. What is the rhythm?
Third-degree AV block (complete heart block)
An ECG shows flattened T waves, presence of U waves, and mild ST depression. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely?
Hypokalemia
A patient in the ER presents with chest pain. ECG shows ST elevation in leads V1–V4. Which coronary artery is likely involved?
Left anterior descending artery (LAD)