What is a hallmark characteristic of a ventricular escape beat on an EKG?

What is a hallmark characteristic of a ventricular escape beat on an EKG?

• A. A narrow QRS complex.
• B. An enormous QRS complex.
• C. A prominent P wave before the QRS complex.
• D. A flat T wave following the QRS complex.

Answer: (B)

A hallmark characteristic of a ventricular escape beat on an EKG is the presence of an enormous QRS complex. This is because ventricular escape beats originate from the ventricles themselves, rather than from higher conducting tissues in the heart such as the atria or the AV node. As a result, the electrical impulse takes longer to propagate through the ventricles, leading to a wider QRS complex, which can appear enlarged or irregular.

In contrast, a narrow QRS complex is typically associated with beats originating from above the ventricles, indicating a more efficient conduction pathway. The presence of a prominent P wave before the QRS complex suggests a normal atrial conduction, which would not be characteristic of a ventricular escape beat. A flat T wave following the QRS complex does not specifically relate to the type of beat, as T wave morphology can vary widely regardless of the heart rhythm. Therefore, the enlargement of the QRS complex is the clearly identifiable feature that defines a ventricular escape beat on an EKG.