RMA EKG and Electrocardiography

Question 1

What does the P wave on an EKG tracing represent?

Accepted Answer

Atrial depolarization

Answer

The P wave represents atrial depolarization — the electrical impulse that spreads across the atria, causing them to contract and push blood into the ventricles.

Question 2

How many electrodes are applied to the patient's body for a standard 12-lead EKG?

Accepted Answer

10

Answer

A standard 12-lead EKG uses 10 electrodes (4 on the limbs and 6 on the chest/precordial positions) to generate 12 different views of the heart's electrical activity.

Question 3

Where is electrode V4 placed during a 12-lead EKG?

Accepted Answer

Midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space

Answer

V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line (the imaginary line that passes through the middle of the clavicle).

Question 4

What EKG artifact is commonly caused by the patient's muscle movement or shivering?

Accepted Answer

Somatic tremor artifact

Answer

Somatic tremor artifact appears as an irregular, rapid baseline variation on the EKG tracing caused by skeletal muscle activity such as shivering, tremors, or patient movement.

Question 5

Which EKG finding is associated with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

Accepted Answer

ST segment elevation

Answer

ST segment elevation is a classic EKG finding in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), indicating ischemia and injury to the myocardium.

RMA Practice Test

RMA Practice Test

RMA EKG and Electrocardiography