You are recording an ECG; a portion of the tracing is shown here. Your patient is pale and tells you that she is a little dizzy. Which of the following is the least likely reason for the tracing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by irregular and chaotic activity of the ventricles, resulting in loss of effective cardiac output. The ECG tracing shown here does not resemble the pattern seen in ventricular fibrillation. However, the patient's symptoms of pallor and dizziness may indicate a cardiac issue that should be further evaluated. Poorly attached or dried-out electrodes, broken lead wires, and excessive patient movement can all cause artifact or distortion of the ECG waveform, but are less likely to result in symptoms such as those described by the patient.

You Are Recording an ECG; a Portion of the Tracing