ECG

Question 1

an ECG waveform that
moves toward the top of the paper

Answer 1

Positive Deflection

Question 2

ECG waveform that
moves toward the bottom of the paper

Answer 2

Negative Deflection

Question 3

Flat Wave

Answer 3

Isoelectric

Question 4

Represents atrial depolarization

Answer 4

P Wave

Question 5

Characteristics:
• Round
• Smooth positive deflection
• 0.11 seconds or less in
duration

Answer 5

P Wave

Question 6

Results from the firing of the SA
node

Answer 6

P Wave

Question 7

Represents atrial depolarization
AND impulse delay through the
AV junction
• Normal:
• 0.12 to 0.20 seconds (3-5
small boxes)

Answer 7

PR Interval

Question 8

Measures the beginning of the P
wave to the beginning of the
QRS complex

Answer 8

PR Interval

Question 9

Represents ventricular depolarization
• Q wave- first negative deflection
after P wave
• R wave- first positive deflection
after P wave
• S wave- first negative deflection
after R wave
• Normal: < 12 seconds (< 3 small
boxes)

Answer 9

QRS Complex

Question 10

Represents early repolarization
of the ventricles

Answer 10

ST segment

Question 11

Begins at the end of the QRS
complex and ends at the
beginning of the T wave
• Normal:
• Isoelectric

Answer 11

ST Segment

Question 12

Represents ventricular
repolarization
• Normal:
• Rounded
• Deflected in the same way as
the preceding QRS complex

Answer 12

T Wave

Question 13

Steps in Analyzing the
ECG Strip

Answer 13

Determine the heart rhythm
• Measure the heart rate
• Examine the P waves
• Examine the P:QRS ratio
• Measure the PR interval
• Examine the QRS complex
• Interpret the rhythm

Question 14

originates from SA Node)
• Positively deflected and round
• Similar in shape and size
• Occurs regularly

Answer 14

Sinus

Question 15

(originates from an irritable atrial foci)
• Differently shaped P waves

Answer 15

Atrial

Question 16

(Originates from AV Junction or
Ventricle
• Negatively deflected
• Absent

Answer 16

Junctional/Ventricular

Question 17

Occurs when the electrical
impulse starts at a regular rate and rhythm in the
SA node and travels through the normal
conduction pathway

Answer 17

Normal Sinus Rhythm
(NSR)

Question 18

Characteristics:
• Heart rhythm: regular
• Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per
minute
• P waves: uniform and upright
• P to QRS ratio: one to one
• PR interval: 0.12 to 0.20 second
• QRS complex: narrow, less than
0.12 second

Answer 18

Normal Sinus Rhythm
(NSR)

Question 19

Disorders of the formation or
conduction (or both) of the electrical impulse
within the heart.

Answer 19

Dysrhythmia

Question 20

HR increases
during inspiration and decreases during
expiration
• Impulse originates from SA node,

Answer 20

Respiratory Sinus Arrythmia

Question 21

The rhythm still originates at the SA node but at a
decreased rate of less than 60 beats per
minute for both the atria and ventricles.
• Characteristics are the same with NSR except for
the rate

Answer 21

Sinus Bradycardia

Question 22

Etiology: “BRADI”

Answer 22

• BRASH (Bradycardia- Renal Failure, AV Block,
Shock, Hyperkalemia)
• Reduced Vital Signs
• Acute coronary occlusion
• Drugs- Beta blocker, CCB, Digoxin
• Increased ICP, Infection