A nurse is interpreting the ECG strip of a client who has bradycardia. Which of the following cardiac components should the nurse identify as the role of the P wave?
Slow repolarization of ventricular Purkinje fibers
Atrial depolarization
Early ventricular repolarization
Ventricular depolarization
The Correct Answer is B
The P wave is the first wave on the ECG strip and represents the electrical activity of the atria. It reflects the depolarization of the atrial myocardium, which is the process of changing the electrical charge of the cardiac cells from negative to positive, triggering a contraction. The P wave precedes the QRS complex, which represents ventricular depolarization, and the T wave, which represents ventricular repolarization.
The other options are not correct because:
a. Slow repolarization of ventricular Purkinje fibers. This statement is incorrect because it describes the U wave, which is a small and sometimes invisible wave that follows the T wave on the ECG strip. It reflects the repolarization of the ventricular Purkinje fibers, which are specialized cardiac cells that conduct electrical impulses to the ventricles. The U wave is more prominent in conditions that cause hypokalemia, such as diuretic use or vomiting.
c. Early ventricular repolarization. This statement is incorrect because it describes the ST segment, which is the flat line between the QRS complex and the T wave on the ECG strip. It reflects the early phase of ventricular repolarization, which is the process of restoring the electrical charge of the cardiac cells to negative after a contraction. The ST segment can be elevated or depressed in conditions that cause myocardial ischemia or injury, such as angina or myocardial infarction.
d. Ventricular depolarization. This statement is incorrect because it describes the QRS complex, which is the largest and most visible wave on the ECG strip. It reflects the depolarization of the ventricular myocardium, which triggers a ventricular contraction. The QRS complex follows the P wave and precedes the T wave on the ECG strip.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should identify that this client has multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking. These factors can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Depression is wrong because it is not directly related to the client's physical examination findings. Depression may have other risk factors, such as genetics, stress, trauma, or substance abuse.
Thyroid disease is wrong because it is not directly related to the client's physical examination findings. Thyroid disease may have other risk factors, such as autoimmune disorders, iodine deficiency, or radiation exposure.
Testicular cancer is wrong because it is not directly related to the client's physical examination findings. Testicular cancer may have other risk factors, such as cryptorchidism, family
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The brachial pulse in the right arm is the best option to assess because it is contralateral to the insertion site and unaffected by the procedure. The radial pulse in the left arm may be diminished or absent due to arterial occlusion or spasm from the catheterization.
Radial pulse in the left arm is wrong because it may be diminished or absent due to arterial occlusion or spasm from the catheterization.
Radial pulse in the right arm is wrong because it may not reflect the true blood pressure or perfusion status of the client because it is ipsilateral to the heart.
Brachial pulse in the left arm is wrong because it may also be compromised by the insertion site and is not a reliable indicator of circulation.
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