Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What does the T wave represent in an electrocardiogram?

Atrial depolarization
Ventricular depolarization
Ventricular repolarization
Atrial repolarization

The correct answer is: Ventricular repolarization

The T wave in an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) represents ventricular repolarization. This is a critical phase in the cardiac cycle, occurring after the ventricles have contracted to pump blood out of the heart. During ventricular depolarization, which is represented by the QRS complex, the muscle cells of the ventricles change their electrical state, leading to contraction. Following this contraction, the T wave signifies the process where the ventricular muscle cells return to their resting state, allowing them to prepare for the next heartbeat. This repolarization is essential for the ventricles to reset their electrical charge, ensuring that they can contract again effectively when the subsequent electrical impulse occurs. This phase is vital for maintaining the rhythm of the heart and its overall function. Understanding the role of the T wave helps in diagnosing various cardiac conditions, as abnormalities in this wave can indicate issues with ventricular recovery.