Electrocardiogram Basics Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of placing electrodes on the skin in an electrocardiogram?

  • To detect structural abnormalities in heart tissue.
  • To record electrical potentials generated by cardiac impulses. (correct)
  • To assess blood flow through the heart.
  • To measure the physical size of the heart.
  • Which wave in the electrocardiogram corresponds to atrial depolarization?

  • R wave
  • P wave (correct)
  • Q wave
  • T wave
  • What does the T wave indicate in an electrocardiogram?

  • Atrial contraction.
  • Ventricular depolarization.
  • Ventricular repolarization. (correct)
  • Electrical inactivity of the heart.
  • What sequence of electrical activity occurs as the heart contracts?

    <p>Atrial depolarization, ventricular depolarization, ventricular repolarization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During depolarization, how does the electrical potential inside cardiac fibers change?

    <p>It reverses, becoming slightly positive inside and negative outside. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long does the T wave occur after ventricular depolarization?

    <p>0.25 to 0.35 seconds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically indicated by the QRS complex in an electrocardiogram?

    <p>Ventricular depolarization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The three waves of the QRS complex are normally identified as which of the following?

    <p>Q wave, R wave, S wave. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs immediately after the depolarization wave reaches its peak?

    <p>Repolarization begins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At which point does no potential get recorded in an electrocardiogram?

    <p>During complete polarization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the period during which the ventricles remain contracted?

    <p>From the P wave to the T wave (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can obscure the atrial T wave in an electrocardiogram?

    <p>The QRS complex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does the atrial repolarization wave occur relative to the P wave?

    <p>0.15 to 0.20 seconds after the P wave (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is observed on the electrocardiogram when the muscle is partly polarized and partly depolarized?

    <p>Current flow is detected (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates the beginning of ventricular contraction on the electrocardiogram?

    <p>The QRS complex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage completes the repolarization process in a muscle fiber?

    <p>When both electrodes are positive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which direction does the current primarily flow during most of the depolarization cycle of the heart?

    <p>From the base of the heart to the apex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the average direction of current flow reversing just before depolarization is complete?

    <p>It allows for the last part of the heart to become depolarized (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are limb leads in an electrocardiogram created?

    <p>By combining two electrodes located on different sides of the heart (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when the right arm connection to the chest is electronegative with respect to the left arm in limb lead I?

    <p>The electrocardiograph records positively above the zero voltage line (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'bipolar' signify in the context of an electrocardiogram?

    <p>It involves two wires from the electrocardiograph (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When the right arm is negative concerning the left leg in limb lead II, how is the EKG affected?

    <p>It records positively above the zero voltage line (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the heart is the last to become depolarized?

    <p>The outer walls of the ventricles near the base (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically observed in the electrocardiogram when the electrode near the base is negative?

    <p>The recording will show a positive deflection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the heart rate when the interval between two beats is 1 second?

    <p>60 beats per minute (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition regarding the cardiac muscle cells is true before stimulation?

    <p>The exteriors of muscle cells are positive. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does depolarization affect the electrical charge on cardiac muscle fibers?

    <p>It becomes electronegative. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to voltage measurements in relation to depolarization in the heart?

    <p>They last only a few milliseconds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of electrical current flow, how does the distribution in the ventricles occur?

    <p>From the electronegative inside to the electropositive outside. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the cardiac impulse first arrive in the ventricles?

    <p>In the septum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of surrounding fluids in relation to the heart's electrical conductivity?

    <p>They enhance the conduction of electricity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What direction does the average current flow in relation to the heart's anatomy?

    <p>Negativity toward the base and positivity toward the apex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long does it take for some ventricular muscle fibers to begin repolarizing after depolarization starts?

    <p>0.20 s (B), 0.35 s (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal duration of the T wave in an electrocardiogram?

    <p>About 0.15 s (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does each 25 mm interval on the horizontal axis of the electrocardiogram represent?

    <p>1 second (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal value of the P-Q interval in an electrocardiogram?

    <p>0.16 seconds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What voltage can the QRS complex reach when electrodes are correctly placed over the ventricles?

    <p>3 to 4 millivolts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which interval represents the contraction of the ventricle in an electrocardiogram?

    <p>Q-T interval (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between heart rate and the time interval between successive heartbeats?

    <p>Heart rate is the inverse of the time interval (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the voltage of waves in the normal EKG affected?

    <p>By the distance from the heart and electrode placement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the configuration of electrodes for limb lead III?

    <p>Left arm negative, left leg positive (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which leads primarily record negative QRS complexes due to their proximity to the heart base?

    <p>Leads V1 and V2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for minute abnormalities in the ventricles affecting EKG recordings?

    <p>The heart surfaces being close to the chest wall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In augmented unipolar limb leads, when the positive terminal is connected to the left leg, what is the name of that lead?

    <p>aVF lead (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which leads are primarily positive due to their proximity to the heart apex?

    <p>Leads V4, V5, and V6 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What connects the negative electrode in the chest leads during an EKG recording?

    <p>To all three limbs equally (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the direction of electropositivity during ventricular depolarization in chest leads?

    <p>It causes positive recordings in chest leads (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of chest leads, what does the term 'indifferent electrode' refer to?

    <p>An electrode connected through equal resistances to multiple limbs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is an Electrocardiogram (ECG)?

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart, captured by placing electrodes on the skin.

    What are the main components of a normal ECG?

    The normal ECG is composed of three main waves: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T wave. These waves represent different phases of the heart's electrical activity.

    What does the P wave represent?

    The P wave represents atrial depolarization, which is the electrical signal that causes the atria to contract.

    What does the QRS complex represent?

    The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, which is the electrical signal that causes the ventricles to contract.

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    What does the T wave represent?

    The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, which is the electrical recovery of the ventricles following contraction.

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    What is depolarization?

    Depolarization involves a change in electrical potential across a cell membrane, resulting in a positive charge inside the cell and a negative charge outside.

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    What is repolarization?

    Repolarization is the return of a cell to its resting state, where the inside is negative and the outside is positive.

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    How does an ECG record electrical activity?

    The ECG uses electrodes to detect the electrical potential differences generated by the heart. These differences are recorded as waveforms on the ECG graph.

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    Depolarization

    The process of the muscle fiber membrane becoming more positive, initiated by the influx of sodium ions.

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    Repolarization

    The process of the muscle fiber membrane returning to its resting negative state, following the influx of potassium ions.

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    Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

    The electrical signal representing depolarization and repolarization of the heart muscle, measured and displayed as a graph.

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    P wave

    The electrical waveform in the EKG that represents the depolarization of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart.

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    QRS complex

    The electrical waveform in the EKG that represents the depolarization of the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart.

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    T wave

    The electrical waveform in the EKG that represents the repolarization of the ventricles, as they return to their resting state.

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    Atrial T wave

    The electrical signal representing the repolarization of the atria but is usually obscured by the QRS complex. It's not usually visible in the EKG

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    Ventricular repolarization wave

    The electrical waveform in the EKG that specifically represents repolarization of the ventricles.

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    Ventricular Repolarization

    The repolarization of ventricular muscle takes about 0.15 seconds and is represented by the T wave in the electrocardiogram.

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    T Wave Characteristics

    The T wave is a prolonged wave with a lower voltage than the QRS complex due to its longer duration.

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    Electrocardiogram Voltage Calibration

    Standard electrocardiogram calibration lines are arranged so that 10 small divisions equal 1 millivolt, with upward representing positivity and downward representing negativity.

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    Electrocardiogram Time Calibration

    A standard EKG is run at 25 mm/s, with each 25 mm representing 1 second. Each 5-mm segment represents 0.20 seconds.

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    QRS Complex Voltage

    The voltage of the QRS complex can reach 3 to 4 millivolts when the electrodes are placed directly over the ventricles.

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    P-Q (or P-R) Interval

    The period between the start of the P wave and the start of the QRS complex is the P-Q interval, representing the time from atrial to ventricular excitation. It is normally about 0.16 seconds and often called the P-R interval.

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    Q-T Interval

    The time between the beginning of the Q wave and the end of the T wave represents ventricular contraction, lasting around 0.35 seconds.

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    Heart Rate Calculation

    The heart rate can be determined by calculating the reciprocal of the time interval between two consecutive heartbeats.

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    ECG Time Calibration

    The time interval between two heartbeats on an ECG, used to calculate heart rate. A 1 second interval indicates a heart rate of 60 beats per minute.

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    Normal QRS Interval

    The normal time period between two QRS complexes in a healthy adult is 0.83 seconds, resulting in a heart rate of about 72 beats per minute.

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    Cardiac Cell Depolarization

    The process of a heart muscle cell changing from a polarized state (resting) to a depolarized state (active), with negative charges moving to the outside and positive charges moving to the inside.

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    Current Flow Direction During Depolarization

    During most of the heart's depolarization, electrical current flows from the base of the heart towards the apex. However, just before depolarization is complete, the current briefly reverses direction, flowing from the apex to the base.

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    What is a Bipolar Lead in EKG?

    A bipolar lead in an EKG is a measurement taken between two electrodes placed on different parts of the body, typically on the limbs.

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    Electrophysiological Potential of the Heart

    Different parts of the heart become electrically negative (depolarized) and positive (polarized) during a heartbeat, creating a potential difference that can be measured.

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    Electrical Conductivity of the Heart

    The body's fluids, including those surrounding the heart, conduct electricity, allowing electrical activity to spread throughout the heart.

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    What is Lead I in EKG?

    Lead I is a bipolar lead measured between the right arm and the left arm.

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    When does Lead I record positive?

    The electrocardiograph records a positive reading in Lead I when the right arm is electronegative relative to the left arm.

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    Flow of Electrical Current in the Heart

    The direction and pattern of electrical current flow through the heart, shaped by the depolarization and polarization of muscle fibers, generating measurable electrical signals.

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    Ventricular Depolarization Pattern

    The electrical impulse initiating a heartbeat first reaches the septum and then spreads to the ventricular walls, creating a specific pattern of negativity and positivity within the ventricle.

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    What is Lead II in EKG?

    Lead II is a bipolar lead measured between the right arm and the left leg.

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    Average Ventricular Current Flow

    The average electrical current flow in the ventricles, with negative charges toward the base and positive charges towards the apex, contributing to the overall EKG signal.

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    When does Lead II record positive?

    The electrocardiograph records a positive reading in Lead II when the right arm is electronegative relative to the left leg.

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    Electrode Placement on the Chest

    In a typical EKG, the electrode positioned near the base of the heart will register a negative potential, while the electrode near the apex will register a positive potential.

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    How does EKG measure heart activity?

    Electrodes used in EKG are connected to the body and form a circuit that measures electrical activity of the heart, which is then represented as an electrocardiogram.

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    What is Lead III?

    Lead III records the electrical potential difference between the left arm (negative) and the left leg (positive). It detects if the left arm is electrically negative relative to the left leg.

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    What are Chest Leads?

    Chest leads (V1-V6) are placed on the anterior chest wall, each recording the electrical activity of the heart muscle directly beneath it.

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    Why are QRS usually negative in Leads V1 and V2?

    Leads V1 and V2 are closer to the heart's base, where depolarization is mainly negative, leading to predominantly negative QRS recordings.

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    Why are QRS usually positive in Leads V4, V5, and V6?

    Leads V4, V5, and V6 are closer to the heart's apex, where depolarization is mainly positive, leading to predominantly positive QRS recordings.

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    What are Augmented Unipolar Limb Leads?

    Augmented unipolar limb leads (aVR, aVL, aVF) use two limbs as a reference point (negative) and one limb as the active electrode (positive).

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    What are aVR, aVL, and aVF?

    aVR uses the right arm as the positive electrode, aVL uses the left arm, and aVF uses the left leg.

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    Where are V1 and V2 placed?

    Leads V1 and V2 are placed on the right side of the chest near the sternum.

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    Where are V4, V5, and V6 placed?

    Leads V4, V5, and V6 are placed on the left side of the chest, moving down the chest toward the armpit.

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