Final answer:
Rhythmic sharp spikes in an EKG tracing typically indicate an artifact, which can interfere with the correct recording of the heart's electrical activity. If the frequency between QRS complexes increases, this suggests an increased heart rate due to premature beats. Further testing might be required to understand the underlying cause and significance of these findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical assistant witnessing rhythmic sharp spikes throughout an EKG tracing is likely observing an artifact, which is an abnormal signal that can be caused by various factors, such as electrical interference, patient movement, or equipment malfunction. Artifacts can misrepresent the true electrical activity of the heart and obscure the accurate interpretation of an EKG. An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart. A normal ECG tracing will show a P wave followed by a QRS complex and a T wave, which represent the sequential electrical events that lead to the contraction of the heart. If there is an abnormal pattern prior to the QRS complexes and an increase in the frequency between them, it suggests that there are premature heartbeats, which may be due to an ectopic focus.
This could potentially lead to an increased heart rate (pulse) as the standard rhythm is interrupted by additional beats. It's important to note that occasionally an ECG may show abnormal electrical activity even when there is no effective heart pumping, a state known as pulseless electrical activity. Given the increased frequency between the QRS complexes, one would expect the heart rate (pulse) to be higher than normal. However, the precise effect on pulse rate depends on the source and significance of the ectopic beats, and potential underlying condition(s). Thus, further investigation through more comprehensive diagnostics might be essential to determine the full clinical significance of the observed ECG changes.