Question

When assessing the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) or a rhythm strip, it is helpful to understand that the electrical activity is viewed in relation to the positive electrode of that particular lead. When an electrical signal is aimed directly at the positive electrode, the inflection will be:

a. negative.
b. upside down.
c. upright.
d. equally positive and negative.

Answer 1

When an electrical signal is aimed directly at the positive electrode of an ECG lead, the resulting inflection will be upright. This reflects the heart's electrical activity during depolarization and repolarization as recorded by the ECG.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) or a rhythm strip, understanding the relationship between electrical activity and the <>positive electrode is crucial. When an electrical signal is aimed directly at the positive electrode, the inflection on the ECG will be upright. This is because the ECG represents electrical activity through a series of waves and complexes, which indicate the depolarization and repolarization events that occur as the heart beats. If the electrical activity moves toward the positive pole of the lead, it produces a positive or upward deflection, conversely, if it moves away from the positive pole, it results in a negative or downward deflection.