Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Advanced Patient Assessment Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Master your skills for exam success!

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What is the normal range for the PR interval?

0.2-0.35 s
0.05-0.1 s
0.12-0.2 s
0.25-0.5 s

The correct answer is: 0.12-0.2 s

The PR interval represents the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel from the atria to the ventricles through the atrioventricular (AV) node. A normal PR interval indicates effective conduction through these pathways, and it typically ranges from 0.12 seconds to 0.2 seconds (120 to 200 milliseconds). This range ensures that the heart's upper chambers (atria) contract and fill the ventricles adequately before the ventricles contract themselves. The significance of the PR interval lies in its role in assessing the heart's conduction system. A PR interval within the normal range suggests that there are no significant conduction delays, which is critical for maintaining a coordinated heart rhythm. Values outside this normal interval could indicate various conditions, such as a short PR interval that might suggest pre-excitation syndromes, or a prolonged PR interval that could signify first-degree AV block. In contrast, the other provided ranges either exceed the normal range or fall below it, making them incorrect for a typical assessment of the PR interval. Adhering to the standard normal values is important for accurate interpretation of EKGs and for understanding the patient's cardiac health.