Which EKG finding is characterized as normal?

Prepare for the ScribeAmerica Emergency Room Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

Normal Sinus Rhythm is characterized by a specific pattern on the electrocardiogram (EKG) that indicates the heart is functioning properly. In a normal sinus rhythm, the heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, and the electrical activity in the heart originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker.

The EKG of a normal sinus rhythm shows regular spacing of beats, a consistent P wave preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval, and a normal QRS duration. These features indicate that the electrical impulses are traveling through the heart as they should, leading to effective contractions and a coordinated heartbeat.

Conversely, findings like atrial fibrillation demonstrate irregular and chaotic electrical activity, which can lead to ineffective pumping of the heart. Other options, such as CPR and the presence of a chest tube, do not pertain to EKG findings at all, as CPR refers to a lifesaving technique in emergencies and a chest tube is a medical device used in the treatment of certain respiratory conditions. Therefore, a Normal Sinus Rhythm is the only option that reflects a standard, healthy EKG tracing.

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