Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What term refers to the graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart?

  1. Electrocardiogram

  2. Echocardiogram

  3. Cardiac Output

  4. Holter Monitor

The correct answer is: Electrocardiogram

The term that refers to the graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart is the electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a vital diagnostic tool used in medicine to map out the electrical impulses that stimulate heartbeats. By recording these impulses over time, healthcare professionals can assess the heart’s rhythm, detect abnormalities, and identify conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac issues. In contrast, an echocardiogram is an imaging technique that utilizes ultrasound waves to create visual representations of the heart's structure and function, not electrical activity. Cardiac output refers to the volume of blood the heart pumps in a minute and is a measure of efficiency rather than a graphical representation. A Holter monitor is a portable device used to continuously monitor a patient's heart rhythm over an extended period, typically 24-48 hours, but it does not provide a standard graphical layout like an electrocardiogram does.