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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the second wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A
P wave
B
T wave
C
Q wave
D
R wave
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic components of an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is represented by different waves: P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
Identify the sequence of waves in a typical ECG. The P wave represents atrial depolarization, followed by the QRS complex which represents ventricular depolarization, and finally the T wave which represents ventricular repolarization.
Recognize that the QRS complex is composed of three waves: Q wave, R wave, and S wave. These waves occur in rapid succession and are collectively responsible for the ventricular depolarization.
Determine the order of the waves within the QRS complex. The Q wave is the first negative deflection after the P wave, followed by the R wave which is a positive deflection, and then the S wave which is a negative deflection.
Conclude that the second wave on an ECG, considering the sequence of waves, is the R wave, as it follows the Q wave within the QRS complex.