Which ECG finding is indicative of myocardial ischemia?

Get ready for your FCCN Level 1 Exam. Boost your confidence with multiple-choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Equip yourself with essential knowledge for critical care nursing!

Myocardial ischemia occurs when there is an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, leading to various changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). A flipped or inverted T wave is one of the common indicators of myocardial ischemia, as it suggests a delay in repolarization of the ventricles caused by the insufficient oxygen supply.

This T wave inversion can indicate that the heart muscle is in distress and is undergoing changes due to ischemia. It is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize this finding, as it can help lead to further diagnostic tests and timely interventions to restore adequate blood flow to the heart.

In contrast, elevated ST segments are typically indicative of myocardial infarction rather than ischemia alone; inverted QRS complexes generally signify conduction abnormalities rather than ischemia; and normal sinus rhythm with no other abnormalities does not provide any significant evidence of myocardial ischemia. Each of these alternative findings serves a different clinical purpose and helps in differentiating the exact nature and severity of cardiac issues.

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