Question

ECG waveforms may be positive (upward) or negative (downward), depending on the location of electrodes on the chest. A wave of depolarization moving toward a positive electrode results in a positive deflection. A wave of repolarization moving away from a positive electrode results in a positive deflection. A wave of depolarization moving away from a positive electrode results in a negative deflection. A biphasic (partly positive, partly negative) waveform or a straight line is recorded when the wave of depolarization moves perpendicularly to the positive electrode?

1) True
2) False

Answer 1

It is true that on an ECG, a biphasic waveform or a straight line is recorded when the wave of depolarization moves perpendicularly to the positive electrode.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is true that a biphasic (partly positive, partly negative) waveform or a straight line is recorded when the wave of depolarization moves perpendicularly to the positive electrode on an ECG. The ECG waveforms may be positive or negative based on electrode placement and the direction of the heart's electrical activity. For instance, a positive deflection occurs when a wave of depolarization moves towards a positive electrode or a wave of repolarization moves away from it, and vice versa for a negative deflection. Understanding the connection between electrode placement, the direction of depolarization, and the resulting ECG waveform is crucial for interpreting ECGs and assessing heart function.