Final answer:
The rhythmic sharp spikes on an EKG tracing indicate muscle tremor artifact, which is caused by muscle movement or tension during recording. This artifact does not directly affect the heart rate or pulse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rhythmic sharp spikes observed on an EKG tracing are indicative of an EKG artifact known as muscle tremor. Muscle tremor refers to involuntary muscle contractions that can generate electrical interference and cause an abnormal pattern on the EKG. This artifact can occur due to muscle movement or tension during the recording, such as when a patient is shivering or tense.
When muscle tremor artifact is present, it can affect the accuracy of the EKG interpretation. It is important to identify and minimize these artifacts to ensure a clearer and more reliable EKG tracing.
In this case, since the muscle tremor artifact is causing the sharp spikes throughout the tracing, it would not have a direct impact on the heart rate or pulse. The heart rate is determined by the rhythm and frequency of the QRS complexes, not the presence of artifacts.