Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) Techniques Flashcards

Peaked, tall, symmetrical T waves in precordial leads are a classic ECG sign of:

Answer: Hyperkalemia

Early hyperkalemia produces tall, narrow, peaked (tented) T waves, often first seen in precordial leads V2–V5.

Which maneuver can help differentiate sinus tachycardia from AVNRT during ECG recording?

Answer: Both B and C

Both carotid sinus massage and Valsalva maneuver increase vagal tone, which may abruptly terminate AVNRT or transiently slow sinus tachycardia.

Osborn (J) waves on an ECG are classically associated with:

Answer: Hypothermia

Osborn waves are positive deflections at the J point (junction of QRS and ST segment) that are pathognomonic of hypothermia.

A CVT records an ECG showing sinus rhythm with a PR interval of 0.28 seconds. This finding is consistent with:

Answer: First-degree AV block

A PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds with consistent 1:1 AV conduction defines first-degree AV block.

Which lead is best for monitoring lead placement during continuous cardiac monitoring to detect ischemia?

Answer: Lead V5

Lead V5 (or a modified MCL5 equivalent) is the most sensitive single lead for detecting ST depression from left anterior descending artery ischemia.

When recording a 12-lead ECG, baseline wander artifact is most effectively reduced by:

Answer: Ensuring the patient is relaxed and breathes normally

Baseline wander is most often caused by patient movement or irregular breathing; having the patient lie still and breathe normally is the first corrective step.

In third-degree (complete) AV block, the relationship between P waves and QRS complexes is:

Answer: P waves occur regularly but are not conducted; QRS complexes occur independently

Complete AV block shows AV dissociation: regular P waves at the sinus rate and regular QRS complexes at an escape rate, with no consistent relationship between them.