What is the typical appearance of a junctional rhythm on an EKG?

What is the typical appearance of a junctional rhythm on an EKG?

• A. Wide QRS complexes with prominent P waves.
• B. Normal QRS complexes with inverted or absent P waves.
• C. Very narrow QRS complexes without T waves.
• D. Arrhythmic patterns without visible complexes.

Answer: (B)

The typical appearance of a junctional rhythm on an EKG is characterized by normal QRS complexes with inverted or absent P waves. This rhythm originates from the AV junction, which can result in the absence of P waves altogether or P waves that are inverted due to depolarization occurring in a retrograde fashion. The QRS complexes remain normal (narrow) because the signal for ventricular depolarization travels through the normal conduction pathways. This distinctive feature is crucial for distinguishing junctional rhythms from other types of rhythms, such as atrial rhythms or ventricular rhythms, where P waves may be more pronounced or absent, or where QRS morphology could vary significantly. In the context of your question, recognizing the inverted or absent P waves along with normal QRS complexes defines the junctional rhythm effectively.