National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NPTE with our exam quiz. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions to boost your confidence. Learn with detailed explanations and hints for each question. Get ready for success!

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Significant Q waves on an electrocardiogram are suggestive of which condition?

Premature atrial complex
Myocardial infarction
Supraventricular tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation

The correct answer is: Myocardial infarction

Significant Q waves on an electrocardiogram are indicative of myocardial infarction, or a heart attack. When a part of the heart muscle becomes damaged or dies due to inadequate blood supply, it leads to changes in the heart's electrical activity, which can manifest as Q waves on an ECG. These Q waves signify that there has been necrosis of the myocardial tissue, which is a hallmark of a previous myocardial infarction. In the context of the other options, premature atrial complexes are characterized by early atrial contractions but do not cause significant Q wave changes. Supraventricular tachycardia reflects an increased heart rate originating above the ventricles and does not typically show Q wave alterations. Atrial fibrillation presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm but does not produce significant Q waves either. Therefore, significant Q waves are most closely associated with the history of myocardial infarction, emphasizing the importance of interpreting these changes accurately in clinical practice.