Final answer:
An ECG tracing exhibiting negative deflection can indicate several cardiac arrhythmias by analyzing the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave components. Common arrhythmias include second-degree block, third-degree block, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular fibrillation, each displaying characteristic changes in the cardiac cycle on the ECG.
Step-by-step explanation:
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart and is used to diagnose a variety of cardiac abnormalities. Negative deflection on an ECG tracing can be indicative of several types of arrhythmias. To identify an arrhythmia using EKG tracing, one must analyze specific components: the P wave, the QRS complex, the T wave and the intervals and segments between these points. For example, a negative deflection in the QRS complex may suggest an issue like ventricular tachycardia, which is characterized by an abnormal QRS shape and rate.
Identifying an arrhythmia accurately involves looking at the sequences and relationships between these waves and complexes. For instance, a second-degree block may show P waves not followed by the QRS complex, while in a third-degree block, there is no correlation between the P waves and QRS complexes. Atrial fibrillation, another arrhythmia, will show an irregular rhythm before the QRS complex, and ventricular fibrillation presents with a totally erratic electrical activity, lacking discernible waves.
Proper interpretation of these findings is critical in the diagnosis and management of cardiac conditions.