...any arrhythmias, even though she reported several attacks of palpitations during the recording. The electrocardiogram (ECG) in Figure 1 was recorded following an emotionally stressful period and when she complained of having palpitations. The patient was alert at the time, and her blood pressure was normal.

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

QUESTIONS

1. The interpretation of the ECG is which of the following?

a. supraventricular tachycardia

b. ventricular tachycardia

c. atrial flutter with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction

d. ventricular flutter

e. none of the above

2. Artifact may be caused by which of the following?

a. muscle tremors

b. Parkinson's disease

c. poor skin-electrode contact

d. electrical interference

e. errors in electrode position

f. any of the above

3. Electrocardiographic artifacts that mimic ventricular arrhythmias may result in which of the following?

a. intravenous antiarrhythmic therapy

b. the implantation of cardiac devices

c. blood transfusions

d. cardiac catheterizations

e. any of the above

ANSWERS

1. e. none of the above

The ECG represents a pseudo-arrhythmia due to artifacts. Two clues direct you to the correct interpretation. The first clue reveals sinus rhythm in lead II. The normal appearance of the complexes in lead II is...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



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