Examine the attached ECG image and identify the type of arrhythmia present.
The ECG shows a series of wide QRS complexes occurring at a rapid rate.
Supraventricular Tachycardia.
Ventricular Tachycardia.
Atrial Fibrillation.
First Degree AV Block.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Supraventricular tachycardia usually presents with narrow QRS complexes originating above the ventricles, unlike the wide QRS complexes seen in this ECG, indicating a ventricular origin for the arrhythmia.
Choice B rationale
Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a rapid rate and wide QRS complexes. This rhythm originates in the ventricles and can lead to a decrease in cardiac output and possible deterioration into ventricular fibrillation.
Choice C rationale
Atrial fibrillation presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves and narrow QRS complexes. This is not consistent with the wide, rapid QRS complexes seen in the provided ECG.
Choice D rationale
First-degree AV block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval (>200ms) without changes to the QRS complex morphology. This does not align with the presentation of wide QRS complexes at a rapid rate.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A QRS duration of 0.30 seconds is abnormally long. The normal QRS duration is 0.06 to 0.12 seconds, indicating this is not normal sinus rhythm.
Choice B rationale
An inverted T wave is not a characteristic of normal sinus rhythm. It may indicate ischemia or other cardiac abnormalities.
Choice C rationale
A P-R interval of 0.32 seconds is prolonged. The normal P-R interval is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, thus indicating an abnormal rhythm.
Choice D rationale
The P wave falling before the QRS complex is a key characteristic of normal sinus rhythm, representing the orderly conduction of electrical impulses from atria to ventricles. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A pulse that is not palpable indicates severe circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest, not a characteristic of atrial fibrillation. It can be an emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
A slow pulse, or bradycardia, is not a typical feature of atrial fibrillation. Bradycardia is often associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or beta-blocker therapy rather than atrial fibrillation.
Choice C rationale
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular pulse due to disorganized electrical activity in the atria, leading to inconsistent ventricular contractions. Pulse rate can vary widely.
Choice D rationale
A bounding pulse, which is strong and forceful, is typically associated with conditions like fever or hyperthyroidism rather than atrial fibrillation. Bounding pulses are not characteristic of atrial fibrillation.
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