A nurse is preparing the client for an electrocardiogram (ECG). The client asks the nurse what is an electrocardiogram.
Which is the best description for an electrocardiogram?

Electrical representations of the cardiac cycle that are documented by deflections on recording paper.

The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle over 1 minute.

The amount of blood that is ejected with every heartbeat.

Electrical impulses of the heart displayed on a screen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

The electrical representations of the cardiac cycle that are documented by deflections on recording paper are known as an electrocardiogram (ECG). ECGs provide a visual record of the heart's electrical activity, captured through electrodes placed on the body. These deflections correspond to the depolarization and repolarization phases of the heart's muscle cells, translating into P, QRS, and T waves on the ECG strip. The primary function is to diagnose arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and other heart conditions by identifying abnormal patterns in these waves.

Choice B rationale

This choice describes cardiac output, the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle over one minute, which is unrelated to the visual documentation of electrical activity provided by an ECG.

Choice C rationale

This choice refers to the stroke volume, the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat, not the electrical representation of cardiac activity shown on an ECG.

Choice D rationale

This choice is partially correct but does not fully describe an ECG, which includes a detailed recording on paper rather than just visual electrical impulses on a screen.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

"C" in the ABCDE criteria for assessing skin lesions stands for Color. This criterion refers to the variations in the color of the lesion, which could include shades of black, brown, tan, or even white, red, or blue. Uneven or multiple colors within a single lesion can be a warning sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Regularly checking the color of moles or spots on the skin is crucial for early detection of potential malignancies.

Choice B rationale

Characteristics are not part of the ABCDE criteria. The ABCDE criteria specifically stand for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. These criteria are used by healthcare professionals to identify suspicious skin lesions that may need further evaluation or biopsy to rule out skin cancer. Focusing on these specific aspects helps in early detection and treatment of malignant skin conditions.

Choice C rationale

Crepitus is a term used to describe a crackling or grating sound or sensation, typically associated with bones or joints, and is not related to skin lesion assessment. Crepitus can be felt or heard in conditions such as arthritis, where the cartilage in the joints has worn away, causing bones to rub against each other. It is unrelated to the ABCDE criteria for skin lesions.

Choice D rationale

Coping methods are strategies used by individuals to manage stress, emotions, or adverse situations and have no relevance to the ABCDE criteria for skin lesions. Coping methods can include techniques like exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist, but they do not pertain to the physical examination of skin lesions for signs of cancer.

A. Atrial depolarization. B. Atrial repolarization. C. Ventricular depolarization. D. Ventricular repolarization.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Atrial depolarization refers to the electrical activation of the atria, which is depicted by the P wave on an ECG, not the T wave. The P wave represents the contraction phase of the atria as it pumps blood into the ventricles. Therefore, this option is incorrect for the T wave.

Choice B rationale

Atrial repolarization is the process of the atria returning to their resting state. This repolarization is generally obscured by the QRS complex on an ECG and is not associated with the T wave. Thus, this answer choice is also incorrect.

Choice C rationale

Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex on an ECG. It indicates the ventricles are contracting to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. Therefore, it does not correlate with the T wave.

Choice D rationale

Ventricular repolarization is indicated by the T wave on an ECG. This phase signifies the ventricles returning to their resting state after the contraction. It is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the T wave's function.

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A nurse is preparing the client for an electrocardiogram (ECG). The client asks the nurse what is an electrocardiogram.Which is the best description for an electrocardiogram?

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A nurse is preparing the client for an electrocardiogram (ECG). The client asks the nurse what is an electrocardiogram.
Which is the best description for an electrocardiogram?