Question

What type of deflection in the ECG trace does a wave of repolarisation traveling away from a lead result in?

Option 1: Positive deflection
Option 2: Negative deflection
Option 3: Biphasic deflection
Option 4: No deflection

Answer 1

A wave of repolarisation moving away from a lead on an ECG results in a negative deflection. The T wave on an ECG, which represents ventricular repolarization, usually shows a positive deflection.

Step-by-step explanation:

A wave of repolarisation traveling away from a lead on an ECG trace results in a negative deflection. During an ECG, a depolarization wave that moves toward a lead causes a positive deflection, while a repolarization wave moving away creates a negative deflection. Specifically, the T wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles on an ECG. Each of the leads measures the voltage of the electrical signals during the depolarization and repolarization of the heart. Since the T wave is associated with ventricular repolarization, and it generally presents as a positive deflection, repolarization waves moving away from a lead reflect negatively on an ECG trace.