Prepare for the Cleveland Clinic EKG Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Gain insights with hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

Multiple Choice

What does the P wave look like with sinus bradycardia?

In sinus bradycardia the heart is still paced by the SA node, just more slowly. Atrial depolarization remains normal, so a P wave precedes every QRS and maintains its usual upright shape. The conduction from atria to ventricles is still intact, so the PR interval stays within the normal range (about 0.12–0.20 seconds). So the characteristic appearance is normal-looking P waves with a normal PR interval, just at a slower rate. If you saw an inverted P wave, a prolonged PR interval, or no P wave at all, that would point to other rhythm abnormalities rather than sinus bradycardia.

In sinus bradycardia the heart is still paced by the SA node, just more slowly. Atrial depolarization remains normal, so a P wave precedes every QRS and maintains its usual upright shape. The conduction from atria to ventricles is still intact, so the PR interval stays within the normal range (about 0.12–0.20 seconds). So the characteristic appearance is normal-looking P waves with a normal PR interval, just at a slower rate. If you saw an inverted P wave, a prolonged PR interval, or no P wave at all, that would point to other rhythm abnormalities rather than sinus bradycardia.