Heart Anatomy
How many chambers does the human heart have?
Four chambers
Which side of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood from the body?
The right side
What does the P wave represent on an EKG?
Atrial depolarization
How many leads are recorded in a standard 12-lead EKG?
Twelve leads
What should you do before placing EKG electrodes on a patient?
Explain the procedure, identify the patient, and obtain consent according to protocol
Which chamber pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body?
The left ventricle
Which blood vessels carry blood from the heart to the lungs?
The pulmonary arteries
Which part of the heart's electrical system normally starts the heartbeat?
The sinoatrial (SA) node
Where is the V1 electrode placed?
The fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border
Why should the patient's skin be clean and dry before placing electrodes?
To improve electrode contact and reduce interference
What is the name of the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle?
The tricuspid valve
What is the name of the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body?
The aorta
What does the QRS complex represent?
Ventricular depolarization
Where is the V4 electrode placed?
The fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line
What should you do if a patient reports chest pain during an EKG?
Notify the appropriate healthcare professional immediately and follow emergency protocols
Which layer of the heart is responsible for its muscular contractions?
The myocardium
Trace the path of blood from the body through the heart and lungs and back to the body
Body → vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → body
What does the T wave represent?
Ventricular repolarization
Where is the V6 electrode placed?
At the same horizontal level as V4, at the midaxillary line
What should you do if the EKG tracing shows unusual interference or artifact?
Check electrode connections, patient movement, and equipment, then repeat the tracing if appropriate.
Which layer of the heart wall is composed primarily of cardiac muscle tissue and is responsible for the heart's pumping action?
Myocardium
Blood returning from the pulmonary veins enters which heart chamber, and through which valve does it then pass into the left ventricle?
What area of the heart's electrical conduction is known as the "pacemaker" of the heart?
SA node
When setting up a standard 12-lead ECG, where should the technician anatomically locate and place the electrode for lead V1?
the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border
A patient is connected to an ECG monitor, and the screen shows a flat line, but the patient is awake, talking to you, and has a strong pulse.
What is Check the monitor cables and electrode connections.