Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified EKG Technician (CET) Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

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What is the expected shape and direction of the P wave in lead 2 for a healthy adult patient?

Rounded and upright
Flat and inverted
Peaked and biphasic
Wide and notched

The correct answer is: Rounded and upright

The P wave in lead II for a healthy adult patient is typically rounded and upright. This shape indicates that atrial depolarization is occurring in a normal and efficient manner, which is essential for proper cardiac function. In lead II, which is positioned at a positive electrode directed down towards the feet, the electrical impulses generated by the atria travel towards this lead. As such, the upward (positive) deflection demonstrates that the electrical activity is moving in a direction towards the lead, signifying that the atria are depolarizing effectively. The presence of a rounded shape also correlates with a smooth and synchronous contraction of the atria. This is essential for maintaining regular cardiac rhythm and facilitating effective blood flow from the atria to the ventricles. Proper P waves are integral to interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG) and help in identifying potential arrhythmias or any cardiac abnormalities. This rounded and upright appearance is a key indicator of a normal sinus rhythm and healthy atrial function in an adult.