Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

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What is represented by the P wave on the ECG tracing?

  1. Depolarization of the ventricles

  2. Repolarization of the atria

  3. Repolarization of the ventricles

  4. Depolarization of the atria

The correct answer is: Depolarization of the atria

The P wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing specifically represents the depolarization of the atria. This phase of the cardiac cycle occurs when the electrical impulse originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node spreads through the atrial myocardium, causing the atria to contract and push blood into the ventricles. The P wave is the first deflection seen in most ECGs and indicates that the electrical signal is successfully stimulating the atrial muscle fibers. Understanding this is crucial for interpreting ECGs, as recognizing the P wave helps in evaluating the heart's rhythm and identifying potential atrial issues like atrial fibrillation or atrial enlargement.

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