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Multiple Choice
Which electrocardiogram (ECG) finding can be used to measure heart rate?
A
P wave duration
B
QRS complex amplitude
C
R-R interval
D
T wave inversion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the components of an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and consists of several waves and intervals, including the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
Identify the purpose of each component: The P wave represents atrial depolarization, the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and the T wave represents ventricular repolarization.
Recognize that heart rate is determined by the frequency of heartbeats per minute. To measure heart rate using an ECG, you need to identify a consistent interval between heartbeats.
Focus on the R-R interval: The R-R interval is the time between two consecutive R waves, which are the peaks of the QRS complex. This interval is used to calculate heart rate because it represents one complete cardiac cycle.
Calculate heart rate using the R-R interval: Measure the duration of the R-R interval in seconds and use the formula: Heart Rate = 60 / R-R interval (in seconds). This formula gives the heart rate in beats per minute.