Rhythm InterpretationQuestion 5 of 100
What electrical event does the P wave represent on an EKG tracing?
a.Ventricular repolarization
b.Ventricular depolarization
c.Atrial depolarization
d.Atrial repolarization
Explanation
The P wave is the small rounded deflection produced when the impulse from the SA node spreads across both atria and depolarizes them, which triggers atrial contraction. Ventricular depolarization produces the QRS complex, and ventricular repolarization produces the T wave. Atrial repolarization does occur, but it is buried inside the much larger QRS complex and is not normally visible.
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Related questions on this topic
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- A patient has an irregular rhythm. The technician counts 11 QRS complexes in a six-second strip. What is the approximate heart rate?
- A technician is explaining a tracing to a student and points to the rounded wave that follows each QRS complex. What does this wave represent?
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